Lac‑Mégantic Bypass Consultation on Groupe Conseil UDA Report and CMQR’s response

June 18, 2026 – Gatineau, QC – Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA)

The Canadian Transportation Agency (the Agency) is launching a consultation as part of its review of an application for the construction of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass, submitted by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (doing business as CPKC) as the operating railway company and on behalf of Central Maine and Quebec Canada Railway Inc. (CMQR). This application is being reviewed under Section 98 of the Canada Transportation Act.

The Agency is now inviting written comments on the completed hydrogeological assessment by Groupe Conseil UDA and CMQR’s response.

The Agency panel retained Groupe Conseil UDA to conduct a hydrogeological assessment of the proposed bypass route. In its assessment, Groupe Conseil UDA concluded that the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project is not expected to cause water-related impacts that would be simultaneously permanent, impossible to mitigate and significant enough to prevent the project from moving forward. However, it expressed the view that impacts on groundwater, wetlands, and surrounding ecosystems are expected, and that some uncertainties remain. It recommends additional measures to help prevent and manage these potential risks to communities and the environment more effectively.

The UDA report and CMQR’s response now form part of the evidentiary record guiding the Agency’s decision.

The public is invited to submit written comments to matters addressed in these documents. Comments will be published on our website following their reception.

Start date: Thursday June 18 at 1 p.m. EDT
End date: Monday June 29th at 11:59 p.m. EDT

A decision will be rendered following the analysis of the comments received.