Daniel Legault, a farmer with a family history in farming dating back to 1929, has been managing Ferme Legault in Rigaud, Quebec, for the past three decades with his wife and son. He has concerns about a proposed high-speed rail project that could potentially divide his farm and disrupt his operations. The planned train line, aimed at reducing travel times between Toronto and Quebec City, may cut through Legault’s property, affecting access to essential areas of his farm.
Legault expressed frustration over the lack of control he has regarding the future of his business, which he and his father have worked tirelessly to build. He highlighted the logistical challenges the proposed rail route would pose, including dividing his farm and hindering access to critical areas, forcing him to make significant detours multiple times a day.
The impacts of the project extend beyond Legault’s farm, as Alto estimates that around 1,700 properties, including 500 farms between Ottawa and Montreal, will be affected. Jérémie Letellier, president of the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, emphasized the potential disastrous consequences for farming communities in Ontario and Quebec, with concerns about the fragmentation of farmland and the obstacles property owners would face.
Caroline Des Rosiers, a spokesperson for Alto, reassured that the project is being developed with a commitment to minimizing its impact on agricultural communities. She mentioned plans to construct overpasses and underpasses where feasible to prevent isolation of certain areas. Des Rosiers also stated that affected businesses would be compensated fairly for any disruptions caused by the project.
Despite promises of consultations and compensation, the uncertainty surrounding the project has left the Legault family, deeply rooted in farming for generations, feeling discouraged and uncertain about their future. They are among many families and businesses that could face significant challenges if the high-speed rail project moves forward.