One more step towards restoring the Québec Bridge
News release
Québec City, Quebec, August 23, 2019—As one of the greatest feats of civil engineering in Canada, the Québec Bridge is a testament to the innovation and hard-work of Canadians. The over 100-year-old bridge not only connects communities and businesses on both sides of the St. Lawrence River, but is also a national historic site and a source of pride for Quebeckers.
Today, the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, along with the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec; Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert; and Régis Labeaume, Québec City’s Mayor, announced that the Government is prepared to acquire the bridge to complete its restoration in a timely manner.
With this in mind, the Government is appointing a special negotiator to negotiate with the Bridge’s current owner—the Canadian National Railway (CN)—and other stakeholders. The negotiator will have the mandate to recommend options ranging from a transfer of property of the bridge with an adequate compensation, legislation to see the bridge restored by CN in the near term, or other options to achieve that goal.
Yvon Charest has accepted the role of negotiator, effective today, bringing a wealth of experience to this project, including as the former president and CEO of Québec City-based iA Financial Group.
As negotiator, Mr. Charest will consult with local communities and other stakeholders and present a final report of recommendations to the government for consideration in 2020.
Throughout this process, the Government will continue to work closely with CN to determine the scope of the project, and to ensure that the bridge is able to meet the region’s long-term needs. The Government will also collaborate closely with other key partners, including the cities of Québec City and Lévis, and the Government of Quebec.
Quotes
“When people use the Québec Bridge—whether they are driving, cycling, or walking—they are reminded of what’s possible when Canadians work hard, and work together. We know how important the bridge is to people in the region, the local economy, and to Canada’s economy as a whole. That’s why our Government is making its full restoration a priority, beginning with the appointment of Yvon Charest as negotiator to recommend a path forward.”
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
“Since July 17, 2018, when I was appointed Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Québec Bridge has been one of my top priorities. After working with and engaging our different partners to find the best solution, we are moving forward to protect and restore Québec City’s first link for future generations. The appointment of Yvon Charest is a critical step in implementing creative solutions.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“For over 100 years, the Québec Bridge has been the pride of our city and its citizens, in addition to being vital to the economy of our city and our region. Since 2015, our government has done everything in its power to reach an agreement involving all the parties concerned. We’ve made every effort to identify a viable solution that would ensure the longevity of this jewel of our architectural heritage. Today, we have taken a major step toward implementing a permanent solution that will enable us to move forward with the work required to restore our Capital’s iconic gateway.”
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec
“As an engineering marvel and a heritage gem, the Québec Bridge has been a source of pride for over 100 years. This landmark testifies to the genius, valour and courage of the people who built our city. As Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and a proud Quebec City resident, I feel it’s up to us to live up to this heritage and ensure it endures. Today’s announcement is a major milestone that will ensure the Bridge’s restoration and preserve it for future generations.”
Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert
Quick facts
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Completed in 1917, the Québec Bridge is the longest clear-span cantilever bridge of its kind in the world—with a 549-metre free span between the two central pillars—and is considered a major feat of engineering.
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It was declared a historic monument in 1987 by the American Society of Civil Engineering and the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering, and designated a national historic site in 1995.
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The bridge was also the first in North America made with nickel steel, and the first to use the K truss method of compression.
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Contacts
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Tel: 613-697-3778
Email: ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Director of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Finance
Tel.: 613-369-5696
Email: pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
Tel.: 613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
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