The City of Pointe-Claire says that residents living close to two future stations of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will not have to pay dues after a letter sent out earlier this week spurred confusion among homeowners.
“If you read this letter, it is so unclear,” said Monique Landry, who lives close to the upcoming station near Fairview Avenue.
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The letter, entitled “Dues to be paid to the ARTM for REM stations,” was sent to more than 1,000 residents who live within a one-kilometre radius of the two upcoming light-rail stations planned for Pointe-Claire.
“The Government of Quebec has determined that these owners will pay dues to finance the completion of the REM,” said the letter.
Pointe-Claire mayor, John Belvedere, told residents at a meet and greet on Saturday the letter was a misunderstanding.
“The letter was just badly written,” he said. “I totally apologize for it.”
According to the city, only residents in those two zones who undertake renovations or major construction projects equaling more than $756,150 will have to pay dues to the ARTM, the regional transit authority.
Residents will not have to pay dues associated with the REM otherwise.
The city says they’ll be sending out an apology letter to residents this week.
“We’re sending out another letter on Tuesday,” said Belvedere. “We apologized to as many people as we could, we’ve taken all the phone calls, we’ve clarified with everybody – they don’t owe any money.”
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Pointe-Claire residents will have another chance to ask questions about the light-rail project. The city is holding two information sessions on May 14.
Citizens have until May 9 to reserve a spot.
The REM transit network will stretch 67 kilometres and include 26 stations to the tune of $6 billion. It is expected to be completed by 2021.
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