A word from Transport Canada
In recent months, you may have noticed that we are in the area more often. Our teams continue to move forward with preparatory work for the construction phase of the project and will be on site regularly. Here are the activities we have recently carried out and this month’s news.
Recent developments
Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) approval application
In the coming weeks, the final documents will be submitted to the CTA to initiate the review of the application for the project construction approval. The CTA is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal and regulator responsible for approving construction of any railway line over 3 km. To do this, the CTA takes into consideration the requirements for railway operations and services and the interests of the localities affected by the railway line. Transport Canada and Canadian Pacific are working together to finalize the CTA application. We will post the application documents online and inform you once they are available.
On the field
Surveying begins
In May, a group of surveyors from Ecce Terra will conduct picketing and marking work. This work will serve to identify the area of the future railway bypass, also known as the "railway right-of-way". They will place coloured tape to identify the different work zones:
- red tape will identify the future rail corridor
- orange tape will be placed on the boundaries of the right-of-way to identify temporary work zones
- blue tape will identify work near the water
In addition, flags will be placed to indicate the boundaries of neighbouring properties. This work will take a few weeks (until June), depending on weather conditions.
Archeological dig results
In summer 2021, archeological digs were conducted in 15 areas with significant archeological potential along the rail bypass route. These digs found debitage and quartz tools. Additional digs will be carried out in summer 2022 near the Chaudière River, to complete the study and interpretation of paleohistoric use of the area.
Environment
Soil quality assessment
In 2020 and 2021, environmental characterizations of soil and groundwater were carried out in the projected railway right-of-way. In spring 2022, further samples will be taken to assess the current soil quality of the lands that will be leased by Transport Canada, such as the private roads to access the construction site. These samples will make it possible to return the lands to their owners in their original condition once the work is completed.
Tree compensation
Other environmental measures have been added to the project. The area of forest cut on landowners' lands will be fully compensated on a one-to-one ratio. Wherever possible, reforestation will be done in the region. A 10-year monitoring program will be put in place to ensure at least 80% survival of the planted trees.
Information
Keeping you informed
Last month, we launched this newsletter to regularly inform you of the rail bypass project. We will mail it to the citizens of Lac-Mégantic, Nantes and Frontenac. You can also read it on the project website.
Questions?
Visit our website! We have added a new series of questions and answers.
You can also write to us at TC.InfoLacMegantic.TC@tc.gc.ca. We will be pleased to assist you!
Issue No. 2 – May 2022
(PDF, 1.11 MB)