Daniel Legault has a long family history in farming dating back to 1929. Over the last three decades, he has managed Ferme Legault, a dairy and cereal farm in Rigaud, Quebec, with his wife and son. However, their farming legacy is under threat due to a proposed high-speed rail project that could divide their land and disrupt their business operations.

The potential train line, aimed at reducing travel times between Toronto and Quebec City, may directly cut through Legault’s property. Despite receiving notifications regarding the Alto project, Legault refused permission for his land to be surveyed. He believes the proposed route would split his farm, hindering access to the main road and necessitating extensive detours multiple times a day, significantly impacting the farm’s operations.

The project is expected to affect approximately 1,700 properties, including around 500 farms between Ottawa and Montreal. The lack of communication from the project authorities has left the Legault family uncertain about their future in farming. Legault expressed concern that the proposed rail line could lead to the termination of agricultural activities in the region.

Jérémie Letellier, president of the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, Quebec’s largest agricultural federation, emphasized the disastrous consequences the rail project could have on farming communities in Ontario and Quebec. He highlighted the potential division of farmland and the significant logistical challenges property owners would face due to the rail’s construction.

Alto, the company behind the high-speed rail project, has assured that they are committed to minimizing the impact on agricultural communities. They plan to follow existing land or infrastructure to reduce disruptions and construct overpasses and underpasses where possible to maintain access. However, specific details on these aspects remain unclear.

Despite promises of fair compensation and extensive consultations, the Legault family remains uncertain about their future in farming. They feel discouraged and believe their plans and future prospects have been put on hold due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed rail project.