Lac-Megantic marks 9th anniversary of train disaster
Lac-Megantic marks 9th anniversary of train disaster
The community of Lac-Mégantic is marking the ninth anniversary of the train disaster that killed 47 people and scarring its downtown on July 6, 2013.
In a note to its citizens, the Town of Lac-Mégantic says it will organize moments to remember the difficult moments caused by the disaster and also to highlight all the progress made since.
Starting at 8 a.m., as in previous years, the town's flags have been flown at half-mast. The municipality's elected officials laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial, in the presence of residents.
A minute of silence was to be held in memory of the 47 victims and the bereaved families.
A religious ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Sainte-Agnès church, presided by Fr. Francis Morency. Afterwards, flowers will be laid near the granite book in front of the church, where the names of the 47 victims are inscribed.
At noon, the bells of Sainte-Agnès church will ring 47 times in tribute to the victims. During this moment of recollection, traffic will be stopped in the vicinity to create calm and serenity.
The Town of Lac-Mégantic has obtained confirmation from Canadian Pacific that no trains will be running on the tracks on July 6.
The mayor of Lac-Mégantic, Julie Morin, says that the town's residents are forever marked by the events of July 6, 2013, which affected all parts of the community. She believes that the day of commemoration allows them to pause and remember the missing, the lost landmarks, and also the steps taken to recover from the disaster.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Wednesday in which he joined the people of Lac-Mégantic and all Canadians in paying tribute to the victims of the disaster. He noted that it was the deadliest train accident in modern Canadian history.
Quebec Premier François Legault posted a message on Twitter.
"9 years ago, Quebec experienced a tragedy. We must remember, today, the 47 victims who perished in Lac-Mégantic on July 6, 2013. I offer my most sincere condolences to the loved ones of the deceased. My thoughts are with all the people of Megantic," wrote Legault.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 6, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Justice Dept. seeks to unseal search warrant of Trump home
The Justice Department has asked a court to unseal the search warrant the FBI received before searching the Florida estate of former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday.

BREAKING | Massive outage hitting Toronto likely caused by barge slamming into power line
A widespread power outage in Toronto causing major disruptions in the city was likely caused by a large crane striking a high-voltage transmission line, officials say.
National system for tracking health-care staff needed to address future challenges: CMA president
A national tracking system for health-care workers, with information on what training they have, where they're located and what their career plans are, would make a 'significant difference' in addressing future staffing challenges, the president of the Canadian Medical Association says.
'Significant' housing correction soils Canadians' plans to buy and sell
After a series of interest rate hikes implemented by the Bank of Canada, housing markets are now facing a 'significant' correction. CTVNews.ca spoke to Canadians who are now struggling to make the goal of purchasing a home, or selling one, a reality.
Police investigating attack on Brampton, Ont. media personality as attempted murder
A Brampton, Ont. media personality who was attacked with a machete and axe in his driveway will need months of physical rehabilitation to recover, a close friend says.
More Ukrainian refugees could come to Canada if visa policy eased: report
A new report says Canada needs to change its federal visa policy to speed up the admission of Ukrainian refugees, which has slowed to a trickle.
Canadian army veteran charged with murder after mass shooting in Belize nightclub
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran has been charged with murder in connection to a mass shooting in Belize that left two people dead and eight others injured.
Vegetarian women more likely to suffer hip fractures: study
A study out of the United Kingdom’s University of Leeds reports women who don’t eat meat are 33 per cent more likely to break their hips later in life.
'Sturgeon moon': Last supermoon of the year rises tonight
The last supermoon of the year, known as the 'sturgeon moon,' will rise in the evening sky tonight.