Mandate:

On May 11, 2018, the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Quebec formally announced the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project. The Project will design and build a 12.5 km rail bypass that will redirect the existing railway out of downtown Lac-Mégantic into the municipalities of Frontenac and Nantes, with the goal of supporting community healing following the 2013 tragedy. The three main objectives of the Project are:  

  • Remove rail operations from downtown Lac-Mégantic and away from populated areas, while reducing the number of residences, buildings, and businesses located near the new rail line.

  • Maximize safety by reducing the grade and smoothing outcurves, while ensuring a safe connection to the Lac-Mégantic Industrial Park.

  • Help the community of Lac-Mégantic and the region move forward through the construction of the Project.

Profile:

Fred Gaspar

Fred Gaspar

Assistant Deputy Minister

Bio

Assistnat Deputy Minister: Fred Gaspar

Number of Employees: 31

Directorates:

  • Project Delivery and Program Management

Overview:

Program Delivery Division

The Project Delivery Division is responsible for the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project delivery in collaboration with various stakeholders such as the province of Quebec, the municipalities, other federal departments and Canadian Pacific and Kansas City. The Division oversees the technical and engineering aspects of the project, including environmental impact monitoring and mitigation measures with the support of the Crown Engineer. The team also leads the negotiation and management of agreements with third parties, secures project authorities with federal central agencies and provided support to Public Services and Procurement Canada regarding the land acquisition process. 

The Division is also responsible for consultation and engagement and has developed a variety of communication products and implemented a stakeholder engagement strategy, which recognizes, defines and adopts a personalized approach to stakeholders impacted by the project.

Program Management Office

The Program Management Office (PgMO) manages the planning and oversight of the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project. 

Its primary functions include the management of the Project’s strategic business and work planning, the control framework, and reporting. As part of the control framework function, PgMO is responsible for implementing and supporting key areas such as Project governance, information management, Project finances and contribution claims management.