Lac-Megantic rail bypass to be funded jointly by federal, Quebec governments
LAC-MEGANTIC, Que. — Five years after a runaway oil-laden train slammed into the heart of Lac-Megantic and killed 47 people, Ottawa and Quebec confirmed a rail bypass Friday that will ensure trains leave the municipality’s downtown core for good.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard were among those on hand to announce a commitment to build the 12.8-kilometre bypass.
Trudeau said politicians normally are all smiles during such infrastructure announcements, but that wasn’t the case Friday.
“There’s nothing we wouldn’t give to go back in the past and avoid being here today to make this announcement,” Trudeau said. “Obviously, we can’t rewrite history, but we can, together, shape the future.”