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Why Do We Do Field Studies?
Field studies allow us to better understand the current environmental, economic, public health, and social conditions within the corridor being studied for the high‑speed rail network between Québec City and Toronto. They provide baseline information that helps assess the project’s potential effects and, where appropriate, define measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate impacts, while maximizing benefits for communities.
These studies involve direct observation and data collection and are carried out by qualified professionals using recognized methods and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. This work supports the impact assessment process and upcoming regulatory reviews.
Our Environmental Approach
Sustainability is embedded at every stage of the high-speed rail project. Discover how a structured and recognized environmental approach guides the project’s development, from planning through construction and operations.
What types of field studies are planned for 2026?
The 2026 field studies program builds on preliminary work carried out in recent years and includes data collection in the first segment of the corridor under study, between Ottawa and Montréal. Some surveys may be conducted using drones: learn more.
- Wildlife and wildlife habitats, including amphibians, reptiles, bats, birds, mammals, and species at risk
- Fish, mussels, and aquatic environments, including fish habitat and associated communities
- Vegetation and terrestrial ecosystems, including plant species at risk
- Water, hydrology, and wetlands
- Soil conditions, including geomorphology and geohazards
- Noise and vibration
- Human environment, including landscape, archaeology, and cultural heritage
Impact Assessment
The Government of Canada has committed to ensuring that the views of Canadians help shape the future direction of the Alto project. Consultation and outreach with communities, including Indigenous Peoples, are already underway.
This engagement will continue throughout the various phases of the project, including as part of required regulatory reviews, such as the federal impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act, as well as other regulatory approval processes, including those administered by Transport Canada.
Indigenous knowledge
Alto works collaboratively with Indigenous communities and organizations to help inform project planning, including field studies, in accordance with community protocols. This approach supports regulatory review and permitting processes throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Collaboration with property owners
To access field study sites located on private property, Alto seeks the voluntary collaboration of certain property owners through an approach based on transparency and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We are committed to minimizing impacts on the environment through tailored mitigation and compensation measures. Potential impacts on ecosystems and species are being identified through field studies conducted as part of the Impact Assessment process. This will allow us to evaluate effects on both natural and human environments and guide the design of mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings, fencing approaches, and habitat‑protection strategies.
Alto and its private developer partner Cadence are advancing the development of the future high-speed rail network by launching the next stage of its field studies program, which will involve collaboration with certain property owners located in the corridor under study. These activities are essential to supporting the environmental impact assessment process, developing a thorough understanding of local conditions and to informing planning, engineering, and environmental analyses.
Field studies may include wildlife observations, soil sampling, sound-level measurements, as well as the analysis of waterways and wetlands. These activities are carried out by qualified professionals using recognized methodologies and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Learning more about the terrain will help us limit or avoid its environmental impacts and design optimal mitigation and compensation measures.
The sites identified for field studies represent a range of environments, including rural, urban and suburban, and do not indicate the project’s final route, which has not yet been determined. Properties selected for the field studies program were chosen based on the quality of data that can be collected, ease of access, and the safety of field staff.
Yes. Assessments by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada are part of the several government reviews set to take place.
We will complete all required steps, processes and assessments with the Impact Assessment Agency.
As part of its field studies program, Alto uses drones to document various aspects of the environment within the study corridor, including watercourses, soil conditions, and wildlife habitats.
This approach makes it possible to collect precise data while minimizing disturbances to communities and ecosystems. This data is essential to the federal impact assessment process.
In 2026, drone surveys are primarily conducted within the study corridor between Ottawa and Montréal, at various sites along this segment.
Operations take place progressively from spring through the end of the year. They are generally conducted during the day, on weekdays. No nighttime drone operations are planned.
Drone surveys are planned in accordance with Transport Canada requirements and are carried out safely, with particular attention to protecting residents’ privacy.
On site, work areas are secured, and personnel wear high visibility safety gear.
Protecting privacy is a priority for Alto. No drones are operated over private properties without prior authorization from the property owner.
Drones typically operate at an altitude of 60 to 120 metres (equivalent to a 20 to 40 storey building). When needed, measures such as blurring or pixelation may be applied to the images captured. Data is stored in a secure environment, with strictly controlled access.