CDPQ Infra must take part in the construction of the Quebec tramway project, but not in its operation, indicated Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault, who is banking on a different model than that of the REM in Montreal.
“For the REM, the Caisse does the operation, which will not be the case in the tramway,” the minister indicated Tuesday evening during an exchange in the parliamentary committee.
Mme Guilbault also pointed out that this would “neither” be the case for the new Mobilité Infra Québec (MIQ) agency.
Operation would instead fall to the Capital Transport Network (RTC) which already manages the existing public transport network in Quebec, she added. “We will probably give operation to the transport company. The income will come to her and she will manage the operation. »
Imminent “mandate letter” with CDPQ Infra on construction
In June, the government gave the green light to the CITÉ tramway project proposed by CDPQ Infra. However, he did not specify what exact role CDPQ Infra would play in carrying out the project.
Quebec is also about to unveil a “mandate letter” to CDPQ Infra which should allow the latter to restart work on the tramway site.
They will then have to sign a more elaborate agreement on what happens next. The government, CDPQ Infra and the City must notably agree on a governance model to manage the site.
The first phase of the project is expected to cost $5.27 billion. Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand wants construction to begin in 2025 with a view to commissioning in 2030.
Minister Guilbault is also under financial pressure since the federal government has reserved funds for the tramway which could be at risk in the event of an election being called and a victory for the Conservative Party of Canada, a notorious opponent of the project.
More details will follow.
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