A Letter To The Ottawa Citizen Newspaper Editor Concerning The Proposed Alto High Speed Rail Project
[ Friday May 8th 2026 at 11:43 am ]
To The Editor Of The Ottawa Citizen Newspaper:
This morning a youTube video was recommended for me. It was concerning England's high speed rail project "HS2", the approximate 40 minutes time savings it provides and at what cost. Everything said in this video challenges if there is true need for Alto High Speed Rail to be built in Ontario or if much less expensive solutions could be implemented.
One of the key points in this video challenges ensuring consistent high quality Wi-Fi and cell phone data exist alongside the entire VIA Rail network. Then if the casual traveller is able to watch a video during the journey or a corporate employee able to conduct their days work while travelling the amount of time spent in travel becomes much less of a factor.
Another point in this video is to challenge corporate thinking. It is to ask the question: How do we make existing VIA Rail travel even more enjoyable that the use of an airplane becomes less desirable? I am confident marketing and major corporations could be consulted and provide actionable steps VIA Rail could pursue.
I have seen various documentaries that talk about the economic benefit to villages when a train stop is added and their ease of transportation to other cities occurs. Based on the above and for the health of Canada's economy I wish to ask our elected officials if we need to change course. We have an existing VIA Rail that we could choose to improve upon now instead of waiting for 20 years. After all there is nothing wrong with holding up your hands, acknowledging new information has come to light and there is an alternative we could focus on.
I regularly use VIA Rail. My purpose is travel between my home in Belleville Ontario to Kingston Ontario for my medical treatment. As a power wheelchair user I want to publicly commend VIA Rail for consistently putting in the additional effort that gets my power wheelchair and myself on and off each train and without give it a second thought. Thank you for the logical support that is facilitating the health care treatment for my bones. You have been consistently pleasant. The view of nature from the designated wheelchair space is incredibly enjoyable and relaxing in light of the medical treatment my bones are requiring. To all VIA Rail employees spread across Canada a very sincere "thank you" is due for the dignity and practical effort you put in so the portion of the Canadian population and those visiting our country who rely on their wheelchairs for mobility have a better quality of life with your logistics.
The original video I watched this morning may be viewed here.