Ottawa Ontario - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the communities of Lake Megantic and the surrounding area, ensuring rail safety, and moving the bypass project forward as quickly as possible.
 
The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, wishes to inform the citizens of the communities of Lake Megantic, Nantes, and Frontenac of the project's significant progress in recent months.
 
A number of steps have recently been achieved, including:

• An office was recently opened in Lake Megantic to facilitate discussions with the owners and assist them during the negotiation process as part of the land acquisition. Owners can, by appointment, meet there with Government of Canada officials;
   
  
• The submitting of the first offers to purchase the land has begun, thus initiating the mutual negotiations with the owners. Offers will continue to be submitted gradually over the coming weeks;
   
  
• A number of studies were completed in recent weeks, including those on soil and water quality, vehicle traffic, and archeology. The data obtained will help advance the plans and specifications under development;
   
  
• The plans and specifications reached the 30 percent progress mark and were submitted to the Canadian Transportation Agency in order to initiate the project approval process;
   
  
• A number of other studies and works are underway to incorporate the identified environmental protection measures into the project. This way, data will be obtained on noise levels, private drinking water sources, and fish habitat.

Transport Canada is listening to the citizens and will continue to inform the Lake Megantic community and surrounding areas as the project progresses.
 
To that end, a Neighbourhood Committee will be established with a mandate to provide information about the activities underway and next steps of the project.
 
Once all the required regulatory authorizations are obtained, the construction phase of the bypass can begin on the lands purchased for the project.
 
Author unknown.