On the 12th anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, which claimed the lives of 47 residents, the community gathered to honor the victims with heartfelt tributes, including lowering flags and organizing a moment of silence. This tragic event, which occurred on July 6, 2013, when a runaway train derailed in downtown Lac-Mégantic, serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced rail safety. Local advocates, including Robert Bellefleur, have voiced concerns that not enough has been done since the disaster to protect the town’s approximately 6,000 residents from potential future incidents. Bellefleur highlights the increasing length and weight of trains as a growing threat, pointing out that current trains far exceed the length of those in the past, leading to fears that safety measures remain inadequate.
Bellefleur, a key figure in the citizens’ rail safety group, warns that the modern trains—some of which can stretch over 15,000 feet and weigh more than 150 tonnes—are operating on outdated tracks that were built between 1880 and 1920. He argues that this mismatch poses a significant risk, not just for Lac-Mégantic but for many other communities along similar rail lines. Recent observations of wear and erosion around rail culverts near Lac-Mégantic have further fueled these safety concerns. While Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) maintains that the tracks are safe and well-maintained, concerns among local citizens remain high.
The 2013 disaster resulted in massive devastation, including the destruction of the downtown area, the evacuation of 2,000 residents, and a substantial environmental spill of crude oil. This event has become a catalyst for ongoing discussions about rail safety, leading to significant political attention and pledges for improvements. In 2018, both federal and provincial governments committed to funding a rail bypass intended to redirect trains away from the downtown area. Despite progress in land expropriations, the project has faced delays due to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s need for more information regarding its environmental impact.
Community sentiment surrounding the bypass project is mixed. While some residents advocate for the bypass as a much-needed safety measure, others express concerns over its proposed route, potential costs, and the possibility of harming wetlands and local water supplies. This division among citizens highlights the complexity of addressing the legacy of the 2013 tragedy. Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland recently acknowledged the anniversary and reaffirmed her commitment to the bypass project, pledging to work alongside communities until its completion. However, Bellefleur notes that Freeland is just one of several federal transportation ministers who have made similar promises over the years, leading to growing frustration among locals about the slow progress.
Bellefleur’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment in the community that more immediate actions are necessary to ensure safety. He emphasizes that the enhanced risks posed by longer, heavier trains are a reality that must be addressed without delay. The advocacy for better railway safety measures has gained momentum since the disaster, with many residents expressing a need for effective solutions that will provide genuine protection against future hazards.
As the town of Lac-Mégantic continues to rebuild and honor the memory of those lost in the tragedy, the ongoing dialogue around rail safety remains critical. The community’s resilience is evident, yet calls for meaningful action underscore the need for continued vigilance and commitment from both governmental authorities and railway companies to prevent a repeat of such a devastating event.
