Alto to reinstate 71 improperly removed public comments on high-speed rail route map

According to Crown corporation Alto, more than half of the 118 comments removed from its interactive map for Canada's proposed high-speed rail project were taken down in error and will be reinstated by the end of the week. A total of 71 posts, representing about 60 per cent of the removed comments, will be added back following a full review prompted by concerns raised by affected individuals and CBC News. The map, which gathered 19,903 comments overall, allows the public to provide input on possible routes for the rail line. Among the reinstated comments were those from Jackson Garrett, an 18-year-old concerned about the southern route potentially disrupting his family's home in Chaffey's Lock, Ontario, and affecting care for his grandmother, and from 84-year-old Cicily Brewer of Toronto, who highlighted risks to Canadian agriculture and food security. Both had their comments initially flagged for reasons such as containing inappropriate personal information or failing to respect other users. Alto indicated that a moderator is strengthening staff training to improve consistency in future reviews. The corporation did not detail the reasons for the remaining 40 per cent of removals but referenced moderation rules covering defamation, intolerant language, and promotion of violence. All reinstated feedback will still be considered as Alto narrows down the final route. The incident has raised questions about transparency and fairness in public consultation processes for major infrastructure projects in Canada.