Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position on a proposed railway bridge-tunnel reconstruction near Canora station, in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. It authorizes signing a letter of non-objection under the federal Railway Safety Act and names the city official who may sign it; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The project, led by Projet REM s.e.c. and managed by CDPQ Infra, would rebuild the CPKC railway bridge-tunnel over the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), between rue Jean-Talon Ouest and rue Wilderton.
- The authorized letter would say the city does not object to the planned work. It is not itself a contract for the city to do the work.
- The city’s director general adjoint – Urbanisme, mobilité et infrastructures may sign the letter on the city’s behalf.
What it means for you#
- People travelling near the site: City staff report that rue Wilderton is expected to close fully for up to two weeks in summer 2027. The work is scheduled from June 2026 to March 2028.
- People using the area: Staff say work areas will be closed to the public for most of construction. A temporary railway diversion on public land is planned during the Wilderton closure to keep trains running.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not itself change taxes, create a benefit, or require residents to apply for anything.
Money#
The project work is assigned to CDPQ Infra; the materials give no cost estimate or stated City contribution.
- The materials do not say whether the City will have any costs beyond the project work assigned to CDPQ Infra.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give details about detours or access arrangements during the Wilderton closure.
- The materials do not provide a cost for the project or explain whether the City will have related expenses.
- City staff report that safety conditions are in place, but the materials do not provide the underlying safety assessment.
Case for#
- City staff say the existing bridge-tunnel has passed its useful life and must be rebuilt to allow trains to pass above the REM.
- Staff report that city services, emergency services and the borough raised no objection, and that no City asset would be affected.
- A non-objection letter is part of the process that allows the project to proceed under the federal railway-safety law.
Case against#
- One concern is the planned full closure of rue Wilderton, even if it lasts no more than two weeks.
- The materials do not explain how access and travel will be managed during that closure or provide the safety assessment behind staff’s conclusion.