Public consultation on hydrology and measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project

From: Transport Canada

Current status: Closed

Transport Canada (TC) invites the public to comment on the proposed mitigation and follow-up measures in response to the conclusion outlined in the hydrogeological report as well as the updated environmental assessment report on the potential impacts of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project on groundwater and wetlands.

This web page will continue to be updated as more information about the consultation becomes available.

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Project information

This new 12.5-km long railway line will pass through the municipalities of Nantes, Lac-Mégantic and Frontenac, specifically between mileage point 113.27 of the Moosehead subdivision and mileage point 3.49 of the Sherbrooke subdivision. The project also includes building two (2) yard tracks in the Lac-Mégantic industrial park to allow for the relocation of the Nantes and Frontenac railway operations to this location, . At the end of the project, the existing track that runs through the center of Lac-Mégantic including the sidings, will be dismantled.

Invitation to comment

During the consultation period, from October 24 to November 25 2022, the public will be invited to submit written comments on:

  • The hydrogeological report and the assessment of the potential impacts of the project on groundwater and wetlands; and
  • The proposed mitigation and follow-up measures to minimize environmental impacts.

All written documents, comments and communications sent to TC will be considered public documents. A summary or excerpts of the comments, including the name of the author, may be published in a consultation report and on our website. Comments will also be shared with the Canadian Transportation Agency as part of the project's application.

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How to participate in the consultation

During the consultation period, from October 24 to November 25, 2022, you can consult the reference documents listed below and send your written comments (or any questions about the consultation) to the following e-mail address: TC.InfoLacMegantic.TC@tc.gc.ca

or by mail to the following address (as per postmark):

Major Transportation Infrastructure Projects (AHM)
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5

Individuals who want to learn about the project and ask their questions in person will also be able to do so at the following sessions:

1. By invitation only - In-person open house for well-owners potentially impacted by the project

Date: November 7, 2022
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Centre sportif Mégantic, 5400 rue Papineau, Lac-Mégantic (QC)

This in-person open house is dedicated to well-owners who could potentially be affected by the project. The invitation to participate, as well as the details of the event, will be sent directly to these potentially impacted well owners.

2. In-person open-house session, including two town halls with presentations and question period

Date: November 8, 2022
Open-House Time: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Town Halls Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Centre sportif Mégantic, 5400 rue Papineau, Lac-Mégantic (QC)

The open-house session, is open to everyone. Citizens will be able to speak with experts and ask questions related to hydrology throughout the day.

During the two town hall meetings, experts from Transport Canada will give a presentation of the key elements of the hydrology findings and proposed mitigation measures. Following the presentations, participants will be able to ask questions to Transport Canada and Canadian Pacific representatives, and technical experts from consultants who prepared the hydrogeology report and conducted environmental monitoring of private wells.

3. Virtual information session, including a presentation and question period

Date: November 9, 2022
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Participate in the session

This information session is open to everyone via webcast. Experts from Transport Canada will give a presentation of the key elements of the hydrology findings and proposed mitigation measures. Following the presentations, participants will be able to ask questions to Transport Canada and Canadian Pacific representatives, and technical experts from consultants who prepared the hydrogeology report and conducted environmental monitoring of private wells.

Reference documents

Reference documents will be available during the consultation period from October 24 to November 25, 2022.

  • Discussion Guide - This guide will provide a summary of hydrology-related information and proposed mitigation and follow-up measures.

  • Discussion guide Appendix 2 - This appendix is a compilation of the main maps presented in the hydrogeological study.

For more information about the project, including a map of the route, visit the TC project web page.

Technical documents

During the consultation period, get a copy of these documents by clicking on the links below. You will need to provide an email address.

  • Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project – Environmental Effects Evaluation, December 2021, Golder

  • Addendum – Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project – Environmental Effects Evaluation, May 2022, Golder

  • Hydrogeological investigation – CP Mégantic Bypass – Lac-Mégantic, (Quebec), May 2022, Englobe

You can also view the following related reports online:

Information documents

Here are two documents that summarize the mitigation measures planned for wetlands and wells. These documents were shared at the consultation information sessions. You can also find the presentation that was made on November 8.¬

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