Lac‑Mégantic Railway Bypass Expropriation

Summary#

This is a notice, published on February 18, 2023, that the federal government intends to take (expropriate) many pieces of land in and around Lac‑Mégantic. The lands are being claimed so a new railway will be built and operated to bypass the town centre for the needs of Transport Canada under the Expropriation Act.

What it does#

• Lists the specific parcels and owners (articles 1 to 26) that the Government of Canada says it requires for a railway bypass around downtown Lac‑Mégantic.
• Says the expropriation covers the land and “immovable real rights” on those lands, including rights held by any lessees.
• Notes survey plans prepared by a land surveyor and asks the Land Registrar to register the notice and plans in the land register.
• Gives people the right to object in writing; objections must be sent within 30 days of the Canada Gazette publication (the notice itself states this deadline).

Who's affected#

• The private landowners named in the notice (examples in the text include owners such as Lake Mégantic Pulp Inc. and Tafisa Canada Inc.).
• The City of Lac‑Mégantic, which also appears as an owner of some parcels.
• Any tenants or lessees who hold rights on the listed parcels, because the notice says those rights are included.
• Local residents and businesses near the listed parcels may notice construction, changes to access, or land‑use impacts during planning and building.
• If it’s unclear exactly who will be directly affected beyond the listed owners and lessees, the notice itself provides the detailed parcel list for reference.

Why it matters#

• Expropriation transfers property rights from private owners (and their tenants) to the federal government to allow the railway bypass to be built and used.
• Property owners and lessees named in the notice will be involved in compensation discussions or disputes. The notice does not state compensation amounts or a construction schedule.
• Neighbours, businesses and travellers in Lac‑Mégantic could see real changes to traffic, land use and local development once the bypass is built.
• People with concerns have a formal, time‑limited chance to file an objection (see the 30‑day deadline in the notice).