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Some 2.2 kilometers of fencing will be erected along the Canadian Pacific rail line in Saint-Lazare. The announcement was made this Wednesday by Transport Minister and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez, Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Peter Schiefke and Saint-Lazare Mayor Geneviève Lachance.

The press conference was held at the crossing at the intersection of Rue Duhamel and Chemin Saint-Angélique, the area targeted by the announcement.

"On August 1, 2022, Ville de Saint-Lazare applied to the federal government for a grant under the Railway Safety Improvement Program. The aim of this program is to increase safety and prevent unauthorized access to railroad tracks, thereby reducing the risk of accidents... From the outset, we have been convinced that such an initiative is essential to improve rail safety in the region," explained Mayor Lachance.

The structure will reach a maximum height of six feet, and will be installed at regular intervals between Chemin Legault and Chemin Saint-Louis. A grant of $472,679 has been awarded to Ville de Saint-Lazare under the Railway Safety Improvement Program (PASF).

"You'll understand that such installations are quite costly. That's why the contribution of the Government of Canada is essential. The grant enables us to save 80% of the costs, estimated at nearly $600,000. Without this valuable assistance, we wouldn't be able to secure our beautiful city as our citizens demand," added Ms. Lachance.

"These investments will bring greater safety to Saint-Lazare residents who live, play and work near our rail lines.We are constantly working to improve the quality of life of our citizens, and today's announcement shows that safety is still our top priority for our rail system," said Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

No timetable was given, but Geneviève Lachance hopes that work can begin later this year. "Soon we should receive offers for professional services, which will be followed by bids for the execution of this work".

"We work every day with our partners to make the living environments of Canadians near railroads safer. Safety is always our priority. It also allows us to maintain the efficiency of our railroads in providing us with the goods we need, when we need them, at a reasonable price," concluded Minister Rodriguez. 

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