Ottawa Ontario - The Government of Canada recently reiterated its commitment to support the people of Lake Megantic and the surrounding area, and to move forward on the Lake Megantic rail bypass project.
 
The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, announced the signing of an agreement with the Canadian Pacific Railway company (CP).
 
This is an important step towards obtaining the necessary plans, specifications, and regulatory authorization to complete this project.
 
The agreement also includes several studies in the coming weeks on soil, water, fish habitat quality, and on ambient noise levels.
 
Transport Canada is committed to keeping property owners informed and minimizing the impact of the work while the studies are completed.
 
The final right-of-way plan has been completed and negotiations to acquire the land can begin with the affected property owners.
 
A virtual information session will also be held with property owners to answer their questions.
 
The Government of Canada is committed to providing property owners with fair and equitable value, including additional compensation.
 
In collaboration with CP, an accelerated schedule has been established that will allow the project to be completed in 2023.
 
This social reconstruction project will remain a priority for the government of Canada until it is completed.
 
David C. Lester.