The community of Lac-Mégantic marks this Wednesday the ninth anniversary of the train disaster that killed 47 people and disfigured its downtown area on July 6, 2013.
In a communication to citizens, the City of Lac-Mégantic states that it will organize moments to remember the difficult times caused by the disaster, but also to highlight all the progress made since then.
Since 8 a.m., as in years past, the city’s flags have been at half mast. Elected officials from the municipality laid a wreath in the memory space, in the presence of citizens.
A minute of silence was to be held in memory of the 47 victims and the bereaved families.
A religious ceremony is to take place at 11 a.m. at the Sainte-Agnès church, presided over by Father Francis Morency. Thereafter, flowers will be placed near the granite book, in front of the church, where the names of the 47 victims are inscribed.
At noon, the bells of the Sainte-Agnès church will ring 47 times, in tribute to the victims. During this moment of contemplation, car traffic will be stopped nearby in order to promote calm and serenity.
The City of Lac-Mégantic says it has obtained confirmation from Canadian Pacific that no trains will be running on the tracks on July 6.
The Mayor of Lac-Mégantic, Julie Morin, recalls that the citizens of the city are forever marked by the events of July 6, 2013, which affected all spheres of the community. She believes that the day of commemoration allows them to stop to remember the disappeared, the lost landmarks, but also the steps taken to recover from the disaster.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued a statement on Wednesday in which he joins the people of Lac-Mégantic and all Canadians in paying tribute to the victims of the disaster. He recalls that it was the deadliest rail accident in modern Canadian history.
Quebec Premier François Legault posted a message on Twitter.
“9 years ago, Quebec experienced a tragedy. We must remember, today, the 47 victims who died in Lac-Mégantic on July 6, 2013. I offer my most sincere condolences to the loved ones of the deceased. My thoughts are with all Méganticoises and all Méganticois,” wrote Mr. Legault.