Support Peterborough as ALTO high-speed rail station stop

Councillor Votes

Full Resolution Text

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has announced the development of the ALTO High-Speed Rail Project, a transformative national infrastructure initiative designed to connect major population and economic centres within the Toronto to Quebec City corridor; AND WHEREAS the City of Peterborough is strategically positioned within eastern Ontario and the Greater Toronto economic region, making it a natural and viable location for a station stop that would serve a rapidly growing population across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and surrounding communities; AND WHEREAS the inclusion of a high-speed rail station in Peterborough would significantly strengthen regional economic development, workforce mobility, tourism, and business investment, while enhancing access to national markets and employment opportunities; AND WHEREAS improved intercity transportation infrastructure aligns with the City’s goals of sustainable growth, reduced congestion, climate-conscious mobility, and increased housing affordability through better regional connectivity; AND WHEREAS high-speed rail stations in comparable jurisdictions have proven to act as major economic catalysts, attracting private investment, supporting downtown revitalization, and strengthening regional competitiveness; AND WHEREAS the Peterborough region represents a strong opportunity to serve a broad catchment area across eastern Ontario, reducing travel pressure on the Greater Toronto Area while supporting balanced regional development; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Peterborough formally expresses its full support for the inclusion of Peterborough as a designated station stop within the planning and development of the ALTO High-Speed Rail Project; AND THAT Council urge the Government of Canada and project proponents to recognize the strategic economic, geographic, and regional mobility advantages of establishing a high-speed rail stop serving the Peterborough region; AND THAT the City of Peterborough reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with federal and provincial partners to ensure this once in a generation infrastructure project delivers lasting economic opportunity, sustainable mobility, and regional prosperity for the people of Peterborough and surrounding communities AND THAT the City of Peterborough actively engage, collaborate and work with federal, provincial partners, and all other stakeholders to advance the case for Peterborough as a critical node within the national high-speed rail network; AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be circulated to: The Government of Canada, The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, Martin Imbleau, President and CEO, Alto, The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament representing the Peterborough Region, Municipalities across the Kawartha Region and Eastern Ontario, Regional Economic Development and transportation partners.