Published June 10, 2024

Peter Black

May 22, 2024

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com 

The devil, as they say, is in the details, and it was details that bedevilled the prolonged negotiations between the federal government, CN Rail and the Quebec government that finally resulted in Ottawa retaking possession of the historic structure.

The deal, finally concluded in the last few weeks, centres on the federal government taking over control of the bridge and taking the significant measures required to ensure the historic span’s long-term future.

Two weeks ago, the federally appointed chief negotiator, Yvon Charest, told the QCT that the five major issues in the talks between Ottawa and CN had been resolved, and all that remained were minor issues. He said, “Both parties are motivated” to come to a deal.

Asked why the federal government deemed it so important to take control of the bridge, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Because it is a perfectly good bridge that has served for many years and can serve for decades more with proper maintenance and upkeep.”

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriquez, who said he often picked up the phone to talk directly to CN management about negotiations, said, “It was the right thing to do” to preserve the bridge for future generations.

Once the federal government takes possession officially in September, work will begin on priorities such as replacing steel components rusted beyond repair – some 2.7 million pounds of metal, according to Rodriguez.

About half of the $1 billion the federal government has committed to the bridge over 25 years will be devoted to repainting the bridge. Work had started a decade ago to repaint the bridge but came to a halt amid a dispute over the escalating cost.

On top of the federal investment in the bridge, CN, whose trains cross the bridge about 12 times a day, is committed to spending $6.1 million a year over 25 years; Rodriguez said that with indexation, the amount could reach $350 million.

Martin Guimont, CN vice-president for eastern Canada, said the company will invest amounts over and above the commitment in the deal and “looks forward to contributing to the economy of Quebec” with the bridge’s rejuvenation.

Under the deal, according to a background document, CN and the Quebec government “will retain responsibility for and ownership of the rail and road decks on the bridge structure, respectively, and will be responsible for all costs associated with these decks, as is currently the case.”

Quebec Infrastructure Minister Jonatan Julien provided no details on Quebec’s plans for the bridge with regards to adapting it to accommodate an expanded public transit component, such as a tramway.

All elected officials at the announcement were cautious about stating any specific impact an upgraded Quebec Bridge – the “first link” – might have on the Quebec government’s desire for a “third link” crossing the St. Lawrence. 

The Caisse de dépôt et placement report on the Quebec City region’s transit needs is expected in June.

Besides freight and passenger train traffic, an average of 33,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. 

The Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney ceded the Quebec Bridge to CN for $1 in June 1993.

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