Downtown portion of Montreal's planned REM de l'Est project abandoned
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante and Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced that the REM de l'Est light rail line will be much different than originally planned.
Dissatisfaction with the REM de l'Est project proposed by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, prompted the two government leaders to announce that the portion of the line that was supposed to snake through Montreal's downtown core, above ground, would be abandoned due to lack of social acceptability.
The eastern section of the REM will instead be developed only on the sections that already have broad public support, and the city of Montreal and the province will take over the project.
"Since Day 1, our goal has been to achieve the best possible public transit project in the eastern part of the Greater Montreal area," said Legault in a news release on Monday. "The project has evolved, over time, and it must continue to evolve. We are making the necessary adjustments to fulfill our commitment to build the REM de l'Est."
The REM de l'Est will thus be linked to the metro, a decision that means that the project no longer fits in with the financial structure of the Caisse's subsidiary CDPQ Infra.
The management of the project will therefore be entrusted to a team made up of the ministère des Transports du Québec, the City of Montreal and the Société de transport in collaboration with the transit planning group ARTM (Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain).
Community groups and citizens voiced concern about how the rail line would alter Montreal's downtown and landmarks such as the arched entry point to Chinatown.
The ARTM issued a report in February that argued the line wouldn't be worth the $10 billion price tag based on ridership habits in the east end.
"We are taking the necessary steps to carry out the REM de l'Est in an exemplary manner, as requested by citizens and experts," said Plante. "The directions agreed upon by the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec will allow the Eastern REM to offer a structuring transportation link to under-served sectors, while taking advantage of the existing network."
The CDPQ said in a statement Monday that it is going to seek reimbursement from the government for the "detailed technical studies" it carried out for the project, according to the terms of their agreement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.