A proposed segment of the Alto high‑speed train line in Quebec would slice through a farmer’s property in Rigaud, separating the land and blocking the only road that connects the farm to the main highway, the farmer says, making continued agricultural activity impossible.
The farmer, whose field lies directly in the planned corridor, explained that the division of the parcel would prevent the movement of equipment, livestock and produce, effectively ending the ability to farm the split sections. The loss of road access would also hinder deliveries and the transport of harvested crops, a critical factor for any working farm.
The Quebec Farmers Federation has joined the farmer in voicing concern, noting that the alignment of the Alto project threatens valuable agricultural land. The federation argues that the rail line’s design does not adequately consider the impact on rural properties and could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects that ignore farming needs.
The Alto high‑speed rail initiative aims to cut travel time between Toronto and Quebec City by half, promising faster passenger service across the province. Proponents of the project highlight the economic benefits of reduced journey times and increased connectivity. However, the farm in Rigaud represents a tangible example of the trade‑off between transportation development and the preservation of agricultural land.
Local authorities have yet to respond to the farmer’s request for a revised route that would preserve the integrity of the farm and maintain road access. As the project moves forward, the dispute underscores the tension between regional infrastructure ambitions and the protection of Quebec’s farming community.