A word from Transport Canada
For nearly four years, we have been working to complete this project with the goal of promoting the collective well-being of the Lac-Mégantic community. This is what has driven our actions with our partners. Many of you have told us that you would like to know more about the project. That is why we are launching this newsletter. You will find plenty of information on the status of the project as well as the next steps.
Recent developments
We held a public consultation from January 21 to February 4, 2022.
In total, 166 people participated and 109 questions were asked of Transport Canada and Canadian Pacific representatives. The main themes were the protection of groundwater and private water wells, noise environment and setting up noise barriers, railway safety, as well as planned financial compensations from the Government of Canada.
We received more than 50 written requests from participants during the consultation period. The responses provided will be integrated into the public consultation report, which will soon be submitted to the Canadian Transportation Agency. This report will be made public, as will the rest of the documentation from the application process.
A meeting took place on March 16, 2022, between the mayors of Lac-Mégantic, Nantes and Frontenac, as well as Transport Canada representatives. At the meeting, the terms of reference from the monthly advisory committee were discussed. The committee will be made up of the three mayors and Transport Canada representatives. The first meeting took place on April 5.
Environment
Analyses of the water table are ongoing. Water samples were taken in fall 2021. New geotechnical drillings will be conducted in spring 2022 in specific places along the proposed rail bypass route.
On the field
All offers to purchase were submitted to the 43 owners involved in the land acquisition process. At the request of the mayors and communities of Lac-Mégantic, Nantes and Frontenac, we have granted a three-month extension for the negotiation period with all owners affected. To that end, owners will have until August 12, 2022, to negotiate with Public Services and Procurement Canada.
We have committed to finish the bypass route as quickly as possible; however, it must be done while respecting the community. This negotiation extension will delay completion of the rail bypass to beyond 2023 given Quebec's construction seasons.
For the past few weeks, representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada and Transport Canada have been in Lac-Mégantic to meet with property owners and the public to answer their questions. To set up a meeting with Public Services and Procurement Canada, property owners are invited to call 1-833-381-1630. To meet with Transport Canada, please send an email to TC.InfoLacMegantic.TC@tc.gc.ca.
News
Transport Canada added a new questions and answers section to the project's website and will update it on a regular basis.
Issue No. 1 – April 2022
(PDF, 110 Kb)