As if the CAQ hadn't already created enough illusions in Quebec with the third link project, the Legault government is adding another layer by continuing to hold out the prospect of the possible reconstruction of the Champlain market.
• Also read: Champlain market CAQ promise: few conversations with key players
During the last election campaign, the reconstruction of the Champlain market was identified by the CAQ as a flagship project in metropolitan Quebec.
Appearing out of nowhere less than a month before the vote – the CAQ had never discussed it before – the market was to consist of a “signature building with the potential to further enhance the attractiveness of Old Quebec.” The party announced this at the unveiling of the CAQ regional platform on September 9, 2022.
The CAQ then committed to commissioning a design firm to reconstruct this 19th-century architectural gem, which was destroyed by two fires. The whole thing was intended to replace the current Quebec River Station buildings and was “modeled after the Quincy Market in Boston.”
Enthusiastic and with an ambitious vision for the region, the CAQ wanted to transform it into a “real tourist, events, dining and cultural center” that would significantly improve local services and river access for residents of Old Quebec. It would be “THE national showcase for shopping in Quebec.”
Then nothing
Nothing else.
There were no serious discussions with those involved, as the checks carried out by Le Journal on Tuesday showed. At that time, contrary to the CAQ's promises during the election campaign, a project office was never set up.
However, in both the Prime Minister's Office and the Minister responsible for the region, we respond that we have not renounced this key commitment. It is said that the initiative will remain on hold until CDPQ Infra's recommendations on mobility are available.
However, after the numerous U-turns around the third connection, the tram and now this project, the ice is facing a very serious strain. That's a lot of projects being put on hold while waiting for the government to find its compass, which is also probably lost on the same ice.
Frustration on the South Coast
Then this government definitely doesn't learn its lesson. The false promises about the third link aroused the anger of the population in the greater region and caused the CAQ to collapse in the polls.
The proponents of the tunnel, whatever one may think of this project, are absolutely right to denounce that they have been deceived. The frustration of the mayors of Lévis and Bellechasse, who learned last week in Le Journal that the Third Link Project Office had no more employees, is more than understandable.
Finally, the Prime Minister himself revived the project after losing the election in Jean-Talon in the fall.
In an attempt to save face, Minister Geneviève Guilbault responded
We should quickly explain to Ms. Guilbault that there are limits to taking people with you as suitcases and, above all, that her party has already exceeded them. Please, there is no need to add more.