Reconstruction office opens in Lac-Megantic, feds announce $1.9 million investment

MONTREAL – The Reconstruction Office officially opened its doors in Lac-Megantic’s downtown core on Saturday.

The purpose of the office is to support the reconstruction of the downtown area; decimated when a train derailed and exploded in July 2013, killing 47 people.

The office will also support the economic recovery of the town.

READ MORE: $460 million settlement for victims of Lac-Mégantic disaster fully funded

Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau was at the grand opening, on behalf of Navdeep Singh Bains, the minister of innovation, science and economic development.

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Garneau announced that Ottawa will invest $1.9 million into the Reconstruction Office.

READ MORE: Court ruling allows CP Rail to limit liability in transport of dangerous goods

In a written statement, Garneau said the initiative was a “meaningful step towards revitalizing the heart of this community.”

He added that as a Quebecer, the tragedy had “affected him deeply” and he vowed to strengthen rail safety across the country to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

WATCH BELOW: Proceedings in the Lac-Mégantic settlement.