Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) has been closely monitoring information regarding the ALTO high-speed rail project, including possible routes and related ecological impacts in the Kawarthas.
Kawartha Land Trust staff have attended ALTO online and in-person sessions and provided detailed information regarding the charity’s protected lands, critical habitats, species at risk, and other relevant details to ALTO. KLT has eight protected properties within ALTO’s study corridor regarding possible routes.
While Kawartha Land Trust understands the need to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — the primary driver of climate change and, in turn, biodiversity loss on the landscape — the organization has deep concerns regarding the ecological impacts.
As proposed, the project has the potential to have significant effects on nature in our region and beyond for decades to come, affecting habitat connectivity that facilitates wildlife migration and life cycles, vital wetlands that contribute to local water quality, habitats that support species at risk, active agricultural lands and woodlots, and community nature spaces and hiking trails.
For 25 years, KLT has worked with the community, donors, volunteers, and funders to conserve and care for nature in the Kawarthas, protecting over 8,800 acres of natural and working lands for future generations.
Together, we have conserved sensitive ecosystems, supported habitat connectivity and species at risk, preserved working lands, and created nature connection opportunities through over 50 kilometres of community hiking trails.
KLT will continue to monitor updates on the project and submit additional information regarding the charity’s protected lands through ALTO’s public channels with the hope that ALTO project leaders will participate in meaningful and transparent engagement with affected communities throughout the study area.
ALTO has extended its public online consultation period to April 24, 2026. You can provide your feedback on the project through ALTO’s survey and online interactive map.
Main photo: Sugar Maple leaves at KLT’s MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve. (KLT)
