Item - 2025.EX24.8

The Executive Committee:

1. Received the presentation from ALTO on the Toronto - Quebec City High-Speed Rail Network for information.

Pierre-Yves Boivin, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer and David Cook, Vice President, Systems and Interfaces, ALTO gave a presentation on Toronto - Quebec City High-Speed Rail Network.

The Government of Canada is undertaking a Toronto-Québec City High-Speed Rail Network infrastructure project - the Alto project.

As Mayor, I support this initiative. It has the potential to transform the region and expand our connection to cities across the province.

The corridor between Toronto and Quebec City is among the country’s busiest. The cost of air travel and time spent in traffic on the 401 means extra stress for folks trying to visit loved ones, students travelling between cities, or workers commuting. The High-Speed Rail project is an opportunity for a more efficient and reliable transportation option which will boost connectivity between people and cities.

Making it easier to travel between cities will boost our economy. Being able to take a day trip to Ottawa or Montreal by train will help local business connections and boost tourism. Imagine, tourists who have been sightseeing in Montreal can easily and quickly travel to Toronto for a weekend and catch a show or Blue Jays game.

We are prepared to collaborate with Alto to deliver on this initiative to deliver on Toronto's priorities of connectivity, opportunity and economic growth.

I have invited Alto to give a presentation to the Executive Committee at its meeting on June 17, 2025, on this initiative.