Special legislation unveiled for Hwy 30 Project in Quebec

OTTAWA – Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced that a special piece of legislation to assist in the completion of Highway 30 in Quebec has received Royal Assent.

This legislation will allow the Government of Quebec to take the next steps required to obtain the Government of Canada’s authorization for the construction of bridges over the St. Lawrence River and the Beauharnois Canal. Completion of the project is expected in 2009.

“This legislation is extremely important in helping to move this project forward for completion by 2009, as scheduled,” said Mr. Lapierre. “The Government of Canada remains committed to making this project a reality for the Greater Montreal Area, particularly for residents in the Montérégie and Suroît areas.”

The Highway 30 project involves the construction of a new 42-km four-lane western segment between Châteauguay and Vaudreuil-Dorion, which will include a seven-kilometre highway connection. The western segment requires the construction of two major bridges, one across the St. Lawrence River and one over the Beauharnois Canal. The Government of Quebec will oversee the construction and will retain ownership of the western segment, including the two bridges.

Normally, the Navigable Waters Protection Act provides the Minister of Transport with the authority to approve structures built or placed in, on, over, under, through, or across any navigable water. However, the Act does not apply to any bridges over the St. Lawrence River or the Beauharnois Canal. This special Act of Parliament provides the Minister with the required authority to approve the two proposed bridges.

In order for the Government of Quebec to construct and maintain the proposed bridges, it must submit plans, specifications and the location of the proposed bridges for study and approval by the governor-in-council before the work begins.

In addition, the legislation gives the Ottawa the right to review components of the Highway 30 project that could have an impact on navigation, shipping, or any other aspect under federal jurisdiction. It also provides the government the authority to make regulations with respect to the two proposed bridges, including provisions relating to navigation, such as a requirement for a minimum height and width for the bridges in order to ensure the safe passage of vessels.

An environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is currently underway to identify possible environmental impacts, suggest mitigation measures and anticipate any significant negative environmental effects that could arise.