Evidence of meeting #44 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was train.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Alternate Canadian Legislative Director, United Transportation Union
Are we aware of it?
Alternate Canadian Legislative Director, United Transportation Union
Yes, we are.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Thank you, Mr. Fast.
Monsieur Bélanger, you have about two and a half minutes.
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Welcome to Ottawa, Mr. Desrosiers.
I have several short questions. Has the issue of level crossings been resolved?
Mayor of Montmagny, As an Individual
Are you referring to the accidents that have occurred at the level crossing?
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Have you received funding to eliminate the level crossings?
Mayor of Montmagny, As an Individual
No. All of the level crossings are still there. There are three within the area I am talking about, plus one or two unofficial crossing points.
Liberal
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
My next question is not for you, but for our research staff. It deals with your first recommendation. Could you provide us with a short briefing note stating which authority sets the speed limits and in what circumstances? Knowing that would be very helpful.
I have another question on bypasses. If there were a bypass, would you still want there to be some kind of branch line at the current station?
Mayor of Montmagny, As an Individual
At present, no freight is being picked up at the station. The station now belongs to the city; it no longer belongs to the railway company. The passenger train stops in Montmagny when someone buys a ticket over the Internet or by phone. Otherwise, it does not stop there. You can't buy a ticket in Montmagny. If there were another segment farther out, with a drop-off point, that would mean some work.
Liberal
Liberal
Liberal
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
If Montmagny were bypassed and the station was no longer linked, there would be no more passenger service. Do you agree with discontinuing that service?
Mayor of Montmagny, As an Individual
No, we would like passenger service to develop, but at present, there are very few users because of buses and other services. We could keep the segment and link it to the bypass route. I think I would maintain passenger service.
Liberal
Mayor of Montmagny, As an Individual
You're asking a lot of questions that I cannot answer. We would have to consider the costs, the volume, and so on.
