Today’s announcement from the Government of Canada and Alto regarding the release of the High-Speed Rail "What We Heard" report, including the direction to assess a potential Kingston stop and regional transportation hub, represents an important step forward for transportation connectivity in Ontario.
As highlighted through Forward Motion: Ontario’s Tourism Industry Strategy, improving transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity is essential to strengthening Ontario’s visitor economy, supporting workforce mobility, and unlocking new tourism and economic development opportunities across the province.
The addition of Kingston as a potential stop would not only improve access betwKieen Toronto, Peterborough, Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Montréal, and Quebec City, but also create opportunities to strengthen one of Ontario’s important tourism and cultural destinations. Kingston serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands, Frontenac County, South Eastern Ontario, and a growing visitor economy anchored by heritage, waterfront experiences, culture, education, and major events.
We are also encouraged to see the project’s continued commitment to meaningful public and Indigenous consultation, as well as recognition of the importance of protecting sensitive environmental assets, including the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Ontario’s natural landscapes are among our most valuable tourism assets, and thoughtful infrastructure planning must balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.
The concept of a Kingston transportation hub, integrated with existing VIA Rail services and regional transportation networks, demonstrates how major infrastructure investments can generate broader benefits for residents, businesses, visitors, and communities across an entire region.
As planning continues, TIAO looks forward to supporting discussions that maximize the tourism, economic, and community benefits of this transformative project while ensuring sustainable and responsible development.