Alto, a Crown corporation, is set to conduct drone surveys over Ottawa and eastern Ontario as part of its studies for the proposed high-speed rail route connecting Ottawa and Montreal. These surveys, in collaboration with partner Cadence, will take place in various communities until the end of 2026. Residents may notice drones flying and field crews working in their areas. The primary goal of these surveys is to gather detailed data on environmental features, including watercourses, natural habitats, and soil conditions, while minimizing disruptions to local communities. The surveys will cover areas in Ottawa, East Hawkesbury, North Glengarry, and several towns in Quebec, including Boisbriand and Mirabel. Alto emphasizes that field teams will wear high-visibility safety gear, and drones will fly at altitudes between 60 to 120 meters. Data security measures will be implemented, ensuring that collected information is stored securely. This initiative is part of a broader effort to assess the environmental, economic, and social conditions within the proposed rail corridor, which is crucial for the project's impact assessment process.