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The Government of Canada has announced support for a federal investment of CAD1.283 billion (US$969 million) from the long-term Investing in Canada infrastructure plan to support the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) light rail network in Montréal.

The REM’s financial structure provides for investments by three shareholders: CDPQ Infra, a subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Government of Québec, whose commitment was confirmed in March, and the Government of Canada.

The new network represents an investment of approximately CAD5.23 billion (US$3.95 billion). La Caisse committed CAD2.67 billion (US$2 billion) to the project, representing a 51% stake in the project. Government of Québec's participation in the project represents 24.5% of the total equity, with also a CAD1.28-billion commitment.

The réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) project will link downtown Montreal, the South Shore, the West Island (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue), the North Shore (Deux-Montagnes) and the airport in a unified, fully automated, 67-km LRT system comprising 27 stations and operating 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Once completed, the REM will be the fourth largest automated transportation system in the world after Singapore (82), Dubai (80 km) and Vancouver (68 km). For the metropolitan area, the REM also represents the largest public transportation infrastructure since the Montréal metro, inaugurated in 1966.

The REM could help reduce GHG emissions by 35,000 tonnes annually and accelerate Québec’s transition to a low-carbon economy. At the same time, this new public transit system could reduce economic losses associated with traffic congestion, currently estimated at CAD1.4 billion annually in the Greater Montréal area.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said:

“The REM is one of the most ambitious public transportation projects in our history. In addition to making it quicker and easier for millions of Quebec residents to get around, the REM will reduce the number of cars on the roads, help ease traffic and make the air cleaner. The announcement today represents a big step toward improving the quality of life of Canadians and their families, creating good, well-paying jobs for the middle class and growing the economy.”

Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, stated:

“The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in this important project for Montréal and for Quebec. Once complete, the project will help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and make it easier for residents to connect with the services they need.”