Anxiety mounts as Eastway Gardens residents await word on the fate of their neighbourhood
Alto to soon reveal final Ottawa-Montreal high-speed rail route and location of Ottawa station
Photo courtesy Alto
October 24 2026 (by Website staff) — Eastway Gardens residents are on edge as they anticipate a series of announcements from Alto that many believe could result in permanent disruption to their community.
In November, the Crown corporation will reveal the preliminary alignment for the high-speed rail route between Ottawa and Montreal, as well as the location of the Ottawa station.
As they await word on the future of their small neighbourhood in Alta Vista Ward 18, a growing number of residents fear that if their area is chosen as the location of Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way, it could displace their homes as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Should this be the case, nearby residents believe they could lose their homes when construction of the station and tracks begins as early as 2029.
Anxiety further escalated when several households reported that they had received letters and in-person visits from Cadence, the Alto representatives seeking permission to enter their properties.
As first reported on this website on September 9th, with a followup story on October 7th, homeowners on Avenue O received an express post 'Permission to Access' letter from Cadence requesting permission to enter their property to conduct “field studies and technical work.” The homeowners denied access to their property. Since then, other residents have stepped forward to report having been approached by Alto representatives. There is no word yet as to how these homeowners responded to these requests. Alto has confirmed that participation is voluntary.
In November, the Crown corporation will reveal the preliminary alignment for the high-speed rail route between Ottawa and Montreal, as well as the location of the Ottawa station.
As they await word on the future of their small neighbourhood in Alta Vista Ward 18, a growing number of residents fear that if their area is chosen as the location of Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way, it could displace their homes as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Should this be the case, nearby residents believe they could lose their homes when construction of the station and tracks begins as early as 2029.
Anxiety further escalated when several households reported that they had received letters and in-person visits from Cadence, the Alto representatives seeking permission to enter their properties.
As first reported on this website on September 9th, with a followup story on October 7th, homeowners on Avenue O received an express post 'Permission to Access' letter from Cadence requesting permission to enter their property to conduct “field studies and technical work.” The homeowners denied access to their property. Since then, other residents have stepped forward to report having been approached by Alto representatives. There is no word yet as to how these homeowners responded to these requests. Alto has confirmed that participation is voluntary.
Local media covers Alto’s approaches in Eastway Gardens
Until reports appeared on this website, Alto’s letter campaign and 'door knocker' visits flew under the radar. But since those articles were published, Eastway Gardens Community Website volunteers have received numerous media inquiries resulting in media coverage. On the weekend of October 17th & 18th, journalists and their cameramen visited Avenues O and P seeking homeowners’ views on Alto’s plans. Several articles have since appeared on CBC Radio Canada Ottawa/Gatineau, CBC Ottawa News, and the Ottawa Citizen (read articles below).
Even Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr was caught off guard. She told CBC Ottawa News that she wasn't informed that Alto representatives would be approaching residents, even though she had previously received updates about its drone surveys that were conducted in Eastway Gardens at the end of July.
Even Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr was caught off guard. She told CBC Ottawa News that she wasn't informed that Alto representatives would be approaching residents, even though she had previously received updates about its drone surveys that were conducted in Eastway Gardens at the end of July.
Process for expropriating and compensating landowners
Alto has outlined its "Property Acquisition Process" on its website, promising to be “structured, transparent and responsive”. The Frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of their website’s home page addresses questions of importance to those in Eastway Gardens who fear that their homes might be affected.
The Process
This CBC News article explains how Alto plans to buy out property owners for its high-speed rail plans:
The Process
- First, the final 60 metre route between Montreal and Ottawa will be announced in November.
- Then properties required within that narrowed corridor will be identified.
- Next, Alto will issue a formal letter to affected owners. Alto notes it will provide a “dedicated representative” for each landowner involved.
- Negotiations will follow.
This CBC News article explains how Alto plans to buy out property owners for its high-speed rail plans:
Offers will be made, a "tailored" timeline created, and appraisals conducted. Once both sides come to an agreement, offers will be signed. Alto expects this to take several months.
The goal is for the tracks to go along existing property lines and for Alto to avoid expropriations, though some will be necessary, Alto CEO Martin Imbleau told The Canadian Press.
"We really want to start with a willing buyer, willing seller," he said.
"That does not mean that the expropriation process will not be used to expedite a transaction, even with a willing seller."
READ MORE > Priscilla Ki Sun Hwang · CBC News
Group opposed to Alto weighs in with warnings
Representatives for United Against Alto, a group that has organized “nonpartisan opposition to ALTO,” told Eastway Gardens Community Website that they recently met with Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland.
"According to our MP, landowners can expect to receive ‘property offer packages’ in November. Which means Alto will be buying properties before the business case is released, before the impact study is completed and before the project receives final approval,” says spokesperson Kristin Muller.
"It is important for people to understand that Bill C-15 changed the expropriation act. If they do not accept the ‘offer’ Alto has said they are prioritizing ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ agreements,” Muller warned. “Expropriation will follow at the end of 2027. There is no way to fight the expropriation."
READ: > Bill C-15: Key Changes to the Federal Expropriation Act for High-Speed Rail Projects
"According to our MP, landowners can expect to receive ‘property offer packages’ in November. Which means Alto will be buying properties before the business case is released, before the impact study is completed and before the project receives final approval,” says spokesperson Kristin Muller.
"It is important for people to understand that Bill C-15 changed the expropriation act. If they do not accept the ‘offer’ Alto has said they are prioritizing ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ agreements,” Muller warned. “Expropriation will follow at the end of 2027. There is no way to fight the expropriation."
READ: > Bill C-15: Key Changes to the Federal Expropriation Act for High-Speed Rail Projects
This sign appeared recently at the intersection of Tremblay Road and Avenue Q in Eastway Gardens
Homeowners who have received Alto access requests invited to pin their location on map
United Against Alto has posted a map that logs locations that have received Alto requests for access to collect environmental data on properties. Locations are manually pinned by volunteers based on addresses, coordinates or intersections provided. "Our goal," states United Against Alto, "is to try to provide information to those who are affected."
> Website Staff · Posted: October 23, 2026
> Website Staff · Posted: October 23, 2026
Four steps in in this project:
1. Consultation
2. Surveys (on land and via drones)
3. Engineering
4. Cost estimates
Timeline:
Compensation:
VIEW VIDEO INTERVIEW > CBC Ottawa • July 22, 2026
1. Consultation
2. Surveys (on land and via drones)
3. Engineering
4. Cost estimates
Timeline:
- November 2026 - Alto presents results of consultations that compiled over 300,000 comments and suggestions.
- November 2026 - Alignment (final Ottawa-Montreal route) will be presented.
- Final 60 metre, high-speed right-of-way will be fenced in. As in Europe, for example, overpasses and bypasses will ensure road access for farmers. No provincial or municipal roads will be closed. Tunnels and underpasses will allow movement of wildlife and livestock.
- Travel time one hour between Ottawa & Montreal.
- Fall 2026 - Discussions with landowners regarding land compensation, including ongoing discussions with farmers' associations.
- December 2026 - Alto to publish results of environmental studies.
- Spring 2027 - Alignment (Ottawa-Toronto route) to be presented - Kingston stop likely to be added.
- Travel time under two hours between Ottawa & Toronto.
- Travel time under three hours between Montreal & Toronto.
Compensation:
- Based on fair market value
- For loss of productivity for 100 years
- For loss of travel time due to detours
- If landowners don't agree with Alto's appraisals, then they can hire their own appraisers. If Alto's appraisal is proven wrong, then landowners will be compensated for cost of private appraisal.
- If landowners prevent Alto from conducting surveys, then Alto will use historical data, such as utility maps, to gather information.
- If no agreement on terms of compensation can be reached, then expropriation to be considered as a measure of last resort.
VIEW VIDEO INTERVIEW > CBC Ottawa • July 22, 2026
Alto surveying properties in Ottawa ahead of impending station, route reveal
Site of planned high-speed rail train station to be announced this fall
October 20 2026 — Residents of the quiet neighbourhood located on the doorstep of Ottawa’s Via Rail and O-Train stations on Tremblay Road are anxiously awaiting an announcement about yet another station — this one for much faster trains.
Alto, the Crown corporation tasked with building a fully electrified high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, is set to announce the location of its planned station in Ottawa within the next few weeks.
In Eastway Gardens, which is located just east of the Ottawa Train Station, residents are holding their breath in anticipation their neighbourhood could be chosen.
“It’s the uncertainty of not knowing what’s going to happen,” said Deanna Derby, whose Avenue P home is near Via Rail’s train tracks. “Do you sell your property? Do you wait it out? What kind of compensation would you get? It’s very worrisome.”
READ MORE > Ben Andrews · Ottawa Citizen · Posted: October 20, 2026
Alto, the Crown corporation tasked with building a fully electrified high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, is set to announce the location of its planned station in Ottawa within the next few weeks.
In Eastway Gardens, which is located just east of the Ottawa Train Station, residents are holding their breath in anticipation their neighbourhood could be chosen.
“It’s the uncertainty of not knowing what’s going to happen,” said Deanna Derby, whose Avenue P home is near Via Rail’s train tracks. “Do you sell your property? Do you wait it out? What kind of compensation would you get? It’s very worrisome.”
READ MORE > Ben Andrews · Ottawa Citizen · Posted: October 20, 2026
Alto eyes up land near Ottawa's Via Rail station, but says no decision made
Crown corporation's representatives visiting residents to carry out studies
October 19, 2026 — People living near Ottawa’s Via Rail station on Tremblay Road are raising concerns after representatives from Alto began approaching the neighbourhood's residents last week.
The crown corporation confirmed its representatives have been going door-to-door near the station, including along O and P avenues in Eastway Gardens, seeking permission to access private properties to carry out field studies.
For some residents, Alto's presence has them worried about what the project could mean for the neighbourhood.
(View video included with this story)
READ MORE > Cameron Mahler · CBC News · Posted: Oct 19, 2026
The crown corporation confirmed its representatives have been going door-to-door near the station, including along O and P avenues in Eastway Gardens, seeking permission to access private properties to carry out field studies.
For some residents, Alto's presence has them worried about what the project could mean for the neighbourhood.
(View video included with this story)
READ MORE > Cameron Mahler · CBC News · Posted: Oct 19, 2026
Could Quebec's new government derail plans for Alto's high-speed train project?
Company says it plans to complete megaproject despite opposition from PQ
October 10, 2026 — The Crown corporation responsible for a proposed high-speed rail line connecting Toronto to Quebec City says it plans to deliver on the project, despite opposition from the newly elected Parti Québécois (PQ) government.
During the election campaign, the Parti Québécois (PQ) said it would withdraw from Alto’s proposed train project if it came into power.
READ MORE > Chloë Ranaldi · CBC News · Posted: Oct 10, 2026
During the election campaign, the Parti Québécois (PQ) said it would withdraw from Alto’s proposed train project if it came into power.
READ MORE > Chloë Ranaldi · CBC News · Posted: Oct 10, 2026
UPDATE - Multiple requests for permission to conduct field studies on neighbourhood properties
Eastway Gardens residents receive letters and door-to-door visits from Alto representatives
October 7, 2026 (by Website staff) — Homeowners on Avenue O who last month refused Alto representatives entry to their property to conduct field studies report that other residents have received comparable requests.
"Alto representatives have been going door to door to other houses that received letters," the homeowners say. "The representatives mentioned that the studies selected for this area are for noise and vibration testing only at this point. They also mentioned delivering 'around 4' packages in this neighbourhood." At least two Avenue P residents are among those who have been approached.
On August 21st, the Avenue O residents received a “Permission to Enter (PTE)” letter from Cadence, the private development partner conducting field studies and technical work on behalf of Alto, wanting to conduct field studies and technical work on their property.
"Alto offered $1,500 compensation for the right to enter our property every year until 2029,” they say. That’s when construction is supposed to start at both ends of the Ottawa-Montreal route.
In addition to aerial drone surveys done in Eastway Gardens at the end of July, their letter states that preliminary field studies are being carried out along the corridor as part of the current development and pre-construction phase. “Your property's selection for the field studies program does not necessarily mean that the train will pass near your property, nor that we will need to acquire it,” the letter states.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Because of this, some area homeowners fear that Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way could run through their neighbourhood as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station. Should this be the case, they believe that their homes could be in line for acquisition. Expropriation would be a last resort if agreements couldn't be reached between Alto and property owners.
Speculation aside, the exact location of the Ottawa station and alignment of the final Ottawa-Montreal route won't be presented until November. Discussions with landowners regarding land compensation will occur this fall as well. In December, Alto will publish results of its environmental studies. Alignment of the Ottawa-Toronto route will be presented in spring 2027.
Meanwhile, reporters from CBC/Radio Canada would like to speak with residents who have received a letter or have been approached in person by Alto representatives. Visit the official Eastway Gardens Facebook page for details. On Saturday, October 17th, a CBC/Radio Canada reporter and cameraman were knocking on doors on Avenue P asking for residents' opinions.
For more information about field studies or the Alto High-Speed Rail Network and associated works, reach out to: questions@altotrain.ca.
"Alto representatives have been going door to door to other houses that received letters," the homeowners say. "The representatives mentioned that the studies selected for this area are for noise and vibration testing only at this point. They also mentioned delivering 'around 4' packages in this neighbourhood." At least two Avenue P residents are among those who have been approached.
On August 21st, the Avenue O residents received a “Permission to Enter (PTE)” letter from Cadence, the private development partner conducting field studies and technical work on behalf of Alto, wanting to conduct field studies and technical work on their property.
"Alto offered $1,500 compensation for the right to enter our property every year until 2029,” they say. That’s when construction is supposed to start at both ends of the Ottawa-Montreal route.
In addition to aerial drone surveys done in Eastway Gardens at the end of July, their letter states that preliminary field studies are being carried out along the corridor as part of the current development and pre-construction phase. “Your property's selection for the field studies program does not necessarily mean that the train will pass near your property, nor that we will need to acquire it,” the letter states.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Because of this, some area homeowners fear that Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way could run through their neighbourhood as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station. Should this be the case, they believe that their homes could be in line for acquisition. Expropriation would be a last resort if agreements couldn't be reached between Alto and property owners.
Speculation aside, the exact location of the Ottawa station and alignment of the final Ottawa-Montreal route won't be presented until November. Discussions with landowners regarding land compensation will occur this fall as well. In December, Alto will publish results of its environmental studies. Alignment of the Ottawa-Toronto route will be presented in spring 2027.
Meanwhile, reporters from CBC/Radio Canada would like to speak with residents who have received a letter or have been approached in person by Alto representatives. Visit the official Eastway Gardens Facebook page for details. On Saturday, October 17th, a CBC/Radio Canada reporter and cameraman were knocking on doors on Avenue P asking for residents' opinions.
For more information about field studies or the Alto High-Speed Rail Network and associated works, reach out to: questions@altotrain.ca.
Alto high-speed rail route still undecided; Crown corporation targets 2029 Ottawa-Montreal construction
The Crown corporation overseeing the proposed high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto offered new details on construction.
October 7, 2026 — Alto says it’s on track to begin construction of the first leg of its proposed high-speed rail network between Ottawa and Montreal in 2029, but residents along the potential route still must wait to learn exactly where the tracks will go.
The Crown corporation overseeing the proposed Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail network says it has moved into the fieldwork phase, conducting alignment studies, testing and geotechnical work while preparing for construction.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau says the company has narrowed the potential corridor between Ottawa and Montreal, but the precise alignment has not yet been finalized.
READ MORE > By Tyler Fleming • CTV News Ottawa • Alto high-speed rail route still undecided; Crown corporation targets 2029 Ottawa-Montreal construction
The Crown corporation overseeing the proposed Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail network says it has moved into the fieldwork phase, conducting alignment studies, testing and geotechnical work while preparing for construction.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau says the company has narrowed the potential corridor between Ottawa and Montreal, but the precise alignment has not yet been finalized.
READ MORE > By Tyler Fleming • CTV News Ottawa • Alto high-speed rail route still undecided; Crown corporation targets 2029 Ottawa-Montreal construction
Alto high-speed rail project could cost more than originally thought: budget watchdog
New report says Toronto-Quebec City rail corridor could cost $75B to $113B
October 1, 2026 — Building the proposed high‑speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City could cost between $75 billion and $113 billion — higher than some of the official initial estimates, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Following a request from the Senate finance committee, the federal budget watchdog released a report on Thursday trying to put a dollar figure on the government's controversial Alto high-speed rail corridor, which promises travel between Toronto and Montreal in about three hours.
READ MORE > Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Oct 01, 2026: Alto high-speed rail project could cost more than originally thought: budget watchdog
Following a request from the Senate finance committee, the federal budget watchdog released a report on Thursday trying to put a dollar figure on the government's controversial Alto high-speed rail corridor, which promises travel between Toronto and Montreal in about three hours.
READ MORE > Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Oct 01, 2026: Alto high-speed rail project could cost more than originally thought: budget watchdog
Avenue O household denies access to Alto after receiving letter requesting permission to conduct field studies on their property
“Alto offered $1,500 compensation for the right to enter our property every year until 2029"
September 9, 2026 (by Website staff) — Homeowners on Avenue O have decided to deny access to their property after receiving a “Permission to Enter (PTE)” letter from Cadence, the private development partner conducting field studies and technical work on behalf of Alto.
The multi-page letter arrived via Canada Post on August 21, 2026, and includes a “Permission to Enter Agreement” and several supporting documents.
Because the letter is marked “Private and confidential,” the homeowners, who have requested anonymity, do not want to share it publicly. They wonder if anyone else in Eastway Gardens has received a similar letter requesting access to their property. “If so, we’d like to know. The future of our neighbourhood may be at stake.”
The homeowners acknowledge that participation in the field studies is voluntary, and, as the letter states, participating property owners will receive financial compensation.
"Alto offered $1,500 compensation for the right to enter our property every year until 2029,” they say. That’s when construction is supposed to start at both ends of the Ottawa-Montreal route.
“The risk versus reward isn’t worth it when it comes to our decision to deny access. How would our property value be affected if, for example, soil samples indicate a problem?”
In addition to aerial drone surveys done in Eastway Gardens at the end of July, the letter states that preliminary field studies are being carried out along the corridor as part of the current development and pre-construction phase. “Your property's selection for the field studies program does not necessarily mean that the train will pass near your property, nor that we will need to acquire it.”
Despite that assurance, the homeowners are convinced that their property was chosen because of its location. “We think we received this letter because our backyard is most in line with a home on Avenue P, putting our house squarely in the middle of a possible future Alto easement.”
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Because of this, the Avenue O homeowners fear that Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way could run along Avenues P and O — north of and parallel to the existing Via Rail tracks — as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station. Should this be the case, they believe that homes along both Avenues could be in line for acquisition. Expropriation would be a last resort if agreements can’t be reached between Alto and property owners.
“We bought our house in 2020, intending to stay in the neighbourhood for only a while. But we fell in love with the area, so we were planning to reside here long term. Now we fear losing our home.”
Speculation aside, the exact location of the Ottawa station and alignment of the final Ottawa-Montreal route won't be revealed until November. Discussions with landowners regarding land compensation will occur this fall as well. In December, Alto will publish results of its environmental studies. Alignment of the Ottawa-Toronto route will be presented in spring 2027.
For more information about field studies or the Alto High-Speed Rail Network and associated works, reach out to: questions@altotrain.ca.
The multi-page letter arrived via Canada Post on August 21, 2026, and includes a “Permission to Enter Agreement” and several supporting documents.
Because the letter is marked “Private and confidential,” the homeowners, who have requested anonymity, do not want to share it publicly. They wonder if anyone else in Eastway Gardens has received a similar letter requesting access to their property. “If so, we’d like to know. The future of our neighbourhood may be at stake.”
The homeowners acknowledge that participation in the field studies is voluntary, and, as the letter states, participating property owners will receive financial compensation.
"Alto offered $1,500 compensation for the right to enter our property every year until 2029,” they say. That’s when construction is supposed to start at both ends of the Ottawa-Montreal route.
“The risk versus reward isn’t worth it when it comes to our decision to deny access. How would our property value be affected if, for example, soil samples indicate a problem?”
In addition to aerial drone surveys done in Eastway Gardens at the end of July, the letter states that preliminary field studies are being carried out along the corridor as part of the current development and pre-construction phase. “Your property's selection for the field studies program does not necessarily mean that the train will pass near your property, nor that we will need to acquire it.”
Despite that assurance, the homeowners are convinced that their property was chosen because of its location. “We think we received this letter because our backyard is most in line with a home on Avenue P, putting our house squarely in the middle of a possible future Alto easement.”
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has repeatedly identified Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location of Ottawa’s Alto high-speed station. Because of this, the Avenue O homeowners fear that Alto's 60-metre-wide fenced-in right-of-way could run along Avenues P and O — north of and parallel to the existing Via Rail tracks — as it makes its way from the city’s eastern border to Tremblay Station. Should this be the case, they believe that homes along both Avenues could be in line for acquisition. Expropriation would be a last resort if agreements can’t be reached between Alto and property owners.
“We bought our house in 2020, intending to stay in the neighbourhood for only a while. But we fell in love with the area, so we were planning to reside here long term. Now we fear losing our home.”
Speculation aside, the exact location of the Ottawa station and alignment of the final Ottawa-Montreal route won't be revealed until November. Discussions with landowners regarding land compensation will occur this fall as well. In December, Alto will publish results of its environmental studies. Alignment of the Ottawa-Toronto route will be presented in spring 2027.
For more information about field studies or the Alto High-Speed Rail Network and associated works, reach out to: questions@altotrain.ca.
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