Since the tragedy of 2013, our thoughts continue to be with the victims and residents of Lac-Mégantic and the surrounding area. The three orders of government are working together to ensure that trains leave downtown Lac-Mégantic for good.
Today, the Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, announced progress on the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass project, including the signing of two essential agreements to launch the first calls for tender. He made the announcement during his first official visit to Lac-Mégantic as Minister of Transport.
A contribution agreement was signed between the federal government and the City of Lac-Mégantic. This will allow the city to carry out preparatory work for the construction of the bypass, which includes the reconstruction of city-owned municipal infrastructure and its relocation to the industrial park. The City of Lac-Mégantic will oversee planning and implementation of the work.
The Government of Canada also signed a contribution agreement with Central Maine & Quebec Railway Inc. (CMQR), a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), for the construction of the bypass project. The agreement outlines the terms and fundamental principles under which the railway operator will carry out the project. It will also enable the launch of the tendering process to contract a firm to carry out the work.
During his visit, the Minister also met with the mayors of Frontenac and Nantes municipalities, as well as the mayor of the City of Lac-Mégantic, to discuss the importance of the project for the residents of the region.
