LAC-MÉGANTIC, Quebec — Transport Canada’s request to expropriate land for the planned rail bypass around Lac-Mégantic has been approved, the Canadian government announced Wednesday, setting the stage for the government to take possession of the land on Aug. 1.
“We understand how this may be difficult for some,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a press release, “but it is essential to completing this project that will make it possible to remove trains from downtown Lac-Mégantic. We will support the property owners affected by the expropriation announcement throughout this process.”
The government attempted to negotiate purchase of the property required for the bypass, but after extending the deadline three times, announced in February that it would begin the expropriation process [see “Canadian government begins process to acquire land …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 14, 2023]. Opposition among landowners and in communities adjacent to Lac-Mégantic led to a protest of the expropriation process [see “Letters of opposition trigger hearing …,” News Wire, March 27, 2023], but Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, approved the expropriation on Wednesday.
Property owners will receive compensation offers for their land by Aug. 1. The Aug. 1 handover date will make it possible to carry out work on the bypass as soon as possible, once regulatory approvals are obtained, the government said in its release.
Wednesday’s decision comes as Lac-Mégantic draws nearer to marking 10 years since the derailment and fire that killed 47 people. The community has planned a series of events to commemorate the July 6, 2013, disaster [see “Lac-Mégantic to commemorate 10 years …,” News Wire, May 15, 2023].
Good. Lets get this done already.