Alto to fly drones over Ottawa, eastern Ontario to study high-speed rail route

The Alto high-speed train would travel at 300km/h and go from Toronto to Montreal in three hours – just over half the time it takes to drive. (Alto)

Alto will be flying drones over Ottawa and eastern Ontario over the next few months as part of field studies for the first leg of the proposed high-speed rail between Ottawa and Montreal.

The Crown corporation says it will be working with its partner Cadence to conduct drone surveys in several communities in eastern Ontario and western Quebec until the end of 2026.

“Depending on the area, residents may observe drones in flight, as well as occasional field crews and the use of movable ground control targets,” Alto said.

“The use of drones helps reduce the need for repeated site visits, thereby minimizing disruptions for communities. These activities aim to collect detailed data on the territory, including information on watercourses, natural habitats, and other environmental features.”

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According to Alto, the surveys will take place in the City of Ottawa, the townships of East Hawkesbury and North Glengarry, and the Nation Municipality. In Quebec, the surveys will be conducted in Boisbriand, Mirabel, Saint‑André‑d’Argenteuil, Pointe‑Fortune, and Rigaud.

Alto says field teams will wear “high-visibility safety clothing,” and the drones will fly at an altitude of 60 to 120 metres.

“Blurring or pixelation techniques may be applied where required, and the data collected will be stored in a secure environment with strict access restrictions,” the corporation said in a statement on its website.

Also says the field studies will allow it to “better understand the current environmental, economic, public health, and social conditions within the corridor” being studied.

The field studies are looking at wildlife and wildlife habitats, vegetation and terrestrial ecosystems, soil conditions, noise and vibration, human environment, and water, hydrology and wetlands.

Alto has been tasked with building high-speed rail between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. The first phase of the project will run between Ottawa and Montreal.

In March, Alto said it would be asking property owners in eastern Ontario for permission to enter their property to collect environmental data to support the impact assessment process.

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