(Quebec) First announced for 2026, then anticipated for 2030, the Quebec tramway project, victim of numerous upheavals, will finally see the light of day in 2033, the Legault government announced on Monday.
Posted at 11:41 a.m.
Updated at 12:11 p.m.
The government of Quebec and CDPQ Infra announced Monday morning the conclusion of an agreement for the planning of the project, now estimated at $7.6 billion.
The first phase of the tramway project, named TramCité, must have 19 km and 29 stations, from Le Gendre to Charlesbourg, via Laval University, the national assembly and Saint-Roch.
IMAGE PROVIDED BY CDPQ INFRA
The plan for the first phase of the future Quebec City tram network, which should see the light of day in 2033.
“I want you to be certain that we will devote all our efforts to making this project a reality,” said the CEO of CDPQ Infra, Jean-Marc Arbaud, during a well-attended press conference on Parliament Hill.
“We are convinced that this is the solution to deliver to improve the daily lives of citizens,” added the boss of CDPQ Infra, who is aiming for a profitability of 10% of his investments in TramCité.
PHOTO JACQUES BOISSINOT, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Jean-Marc Arbaud and Geneviève Guilbault
The conclusion of these agreements – one between the government and the Caisse, the other between the Caisse and the City of Quebec – should make it possible to finally realize this project which has been the subject of political struggles, postponements and surveys. unfavorable for years.
Former mayor Régis Labeaume launched the tram project in 2018 with delivery for 2026. In its study on mobility in the capital, commissioned by Quebec, CDPQ Infra spoke of delivery in 2030.
But now on Monday, Quebec is now talking about the start of work in 2027 and delivery in 2033… 15 years after the press conference where Régis Labeaume unveiled the network map.
The mayor of Quebec was delighted with the announcement, despite the additional delays. “It’s good news today, we’re going to try to change the vibe a little! », Launched Bruno Marchand.
“This agreement will allow Quebec to be the first in Quebec to have a tramway,” he said. Construction will produce an economic boom, I am convinced that it is the equivalent of a mini James Bay. »
The announcement of this partnership took place in the shadow of federal politics. The Conservative leader, Pierre Poilièvre, has already said that he does not intend to put a penny into the tram project.
“We need the federal government to recommit to financing mobility in Quebec,” replied the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MTMD), Geneviève Guilbault, without mentioning Mr. Poilièvre. According to her, even Justin Trudeau’s liberal government has not yet guaranteed 40% of the final bill for the Quebec tramway.
“This project is too far advanced to go back. There would be major consequences,” warned Bruno Marchand, citing the approximately 600 million already invested in the project, not counting those made by developers along the route.
