Peterborough County Council Approves Principles for Engagement with Alto - A Message from Warden Bonnie Clark

Peterborough County, ON – On April 8, 2026, Peterborough County Council approved the following five principles for our future engagement with the Alto High-Speed Train Project 

1.   Peterborough County will advocate for transparency and accountability from ALTO, ensuring residents, businesses, and townships receive clear and consistent information at every stage of the project.

2.   Peterborough County will work towards outcomes that reflect the long-term best interests of residents, businesses, and townships, supporting social well-being, economic vitality, and quality of life. 

3.   Peterborough County will seek to minimize impacts to connectivity, municipal service delivery, agriculture, significant environmental features, and local employers, while supporting responsible growth. 

4.   Peterborough County will advocate for respect, fair treatment, and meaningful recognition of rural voices throughout project development and implementation, reflecting its role as a champion for rural communities. 

5.     Peterborough County recognizes that the Alto project presents both significant potential benefits and legitimate challenges for our communities. The County affirms that raising concerns, asking questions, and seeking improvements on

behalf of residents does not equate to endorsement or opposition of the project. 

These principles will guide future engagement by County Council and County Staff as Alto continues to consult and seek dialogue with the County and our Townships. 

A Peterborough County Alto Strategic Working Group, consisting of the mayors of the five impacted Townships, the Deputy Warden, and myself, as County Warden, has been formed. The Working Group will coordinate and share information about engagement with Alto by analyzing project details; identifying regional and municipal impacts, risks, and opportunities; and developing policy recommendations and negotiation priorities. It will also ensure transparent communication with councils and the public, support long-term decision-making, and prepare a preliminary regional position report for Council review when more details become available. 

We have heard both the concerns raised and the potential opportunities identified in relation to the Alto project. We also recognize that the federal government may proceed with the project with or without municipal support. By adopting these principles, Council is not dismissing engagement or negotiation outright; rather, we are maintaining an open and constructive dialogue to pursue the best possible outcomes for our communities. 

For residents, farmers, community, and business leaders, we will keep you informed at www.ptbocounty.ca/alto  

We encourage everyone to participate in Alto’s ongoing consultations and to reach out to your local Member of Parliament to express your opinion. More information is available on our webpage. 

Rural voices matter—and will be heard. We will make sure of it. 

Sincerely, 

Warden Bonnie Clark