CDPQ Infra would like to build “at the same time” two additional stations in the first section of the REM and is currently negotiating financing with Quebec, we have learned The Press.
The Griffintown–Bernard-Landry and Bridge-Bonaventure stations – both planned just south of Central Station – are technically feasible even if the network is already in service, according to recent analyses commissioned by the organization.
However, “one observation is emerging. In order to reduce the impact on the operating network, the Bridge-Bonaventure and Griffintown–Bernard-Landry stations must be built at the same time,” explained Michelle Lamarche, director of media relations at CDPQ Infra, in an email to The Press. “Discussions are underway with the government. An agreement must define the financing and implementation parameters for the two stations.”
The organization, however, refuses to renew its commitment to build the Griffintown–Bernard-Landry station in time for the full commissioning of the network, scheduled for 2027. This was its position until recently. “The discussions underway with the government will dictate what happens next,” Ms.me Lamarche, when questioned on the subject.
PHOTO YVES TREMBLAY, THE EYES OF THE SKY, ARCHIVES SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The two new stations would be located north (Griffintown–Bernard-Landry) and south (Bridge-Bonaventure) of the Lachine Canal.
The Griffintown–Bernard-Landry station was not initially planned in the REM project. A planned stop near the Peel Basin was abandoned, opening the door to the construction of this station, which will be located along Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, between Ottawa and William streets. By train, less than two minutes will separate this stop from Central Station.
The Bridge-Bonaventure station, south of the Lachine Canal, was requested in 2022 by the Plante administration, which wants to promote the development of the sector of the same name. A REM stop is a “sine qua non condition” for this project, said Robert Beaudry, elected official responsible for urban planning on Valérie Plante’s executive committee. The station could be built right next to the Costco on Bridge Street.
“Minimize negative impacts”
For several years, CDPQ Infra has been saying that it is waiting for the results of studies on the possibility of building stations on a network already in service. The two stations are planned on the section of the REM inaugurated in the summer of 2023 connecting Brossard to Central Station, via the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge. This section of the network currently has five stations.
“The constructability analyses indicate that the Griffintown–Bernard-Landry station can be built,” revealed Mr.me Lamarche, adding that the result was the same for the Bridge-Bonaventure station.
[Toutefois]the construction of additional stations on the REM in operation presents challenges of great complexity, both in terms of implementation and customer service.
Michelle Lamarche, Director of Media Relations at CDPQ Infra
Moreover, she added, “operational analyses will allow CDPQ Infra to identify measures aimed at minimizing negative repercussions on user service.”
Last summer, Griffintown residents expressed their impatience with the construction delays for the station that will serve their neighbourhood. In addition, a park – one of the few in the neighbourhood – must be built around the future station. Currently, the location of the future Mary-Griffin Park is being used as a storage area by the REM builders, creating frustration.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The REM running near downtown.
CDPQ Infra stated in 2020 that this future station would be ready “by the complete end of the network construction work”. This end was then planned for 2024. Last year, the deadline was postponed to 2027, before disappearing this year.