The executive leading Canada's first high-speed rail network has indicated that the Greater Toronto Area could receive two stations as part of the project connecting Toronto to Quebec City, according to a report by The Canadian Press.
Potential Suburban Station
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau told the news agency on Thursday that while the initial plan included only one station for the GTA, the region 'will probably require a secondary station' in the suburbs. He noted that ridership projections support the addition of a second stop, which would be built before the downtown leg is completed, though a final decision has not yet been made.
Current Proposed Stops
The project currently features seven proposed stops: Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval (Quebec), Trois-Rivieres (Quebec), and Quebec City. The high-speed line would cut travel time between Toronto and Montreal to three hours and seven minutes, with 72 trains running daily at speeds up to 300 km/h on dedicated electric tracks spanning about 1,000 kilometers.
Criticism and Support
The federal Conservatives have been the most vocal opponents, with leader Pierre Poilievre calling the project a 'boondoggle' in March and arguing the estimated $60 billion to $90 billion cost could be better spent elsewhere. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon responded on X, stating that Poilievre 'is showing Canadians that he has no vision to create jobs and grow the economy.'
Some farmers, rural residents, and local government officials also oppose the project, citing concerns about community division, land expropriations, and taxpayer costs. The debate continues as the project moves forward.
