Lac-Mgantic rail traffic resumes with stricter guidelines

A train rolled through the town of Lac-Mgantic, Que., for the first time since July, when an unmannedtrain carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, killing 47 people.

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A locomotive passed through town around 2:30 p.m. ET towingsix freight cars carrying prefabricated particle board panelsfrom Tafisa, a company located in the nearby industrial park.

Earlier Wednesday morning, the locomotive went throughLac-Mgantic'sdowntown on its way to pick up the load.

There's no choice ... there's no other tracks and the train must pass through- Raymond Lafontaine, Lac-Mgantic resident

Adding to the mix of emotions felt by many in the small communityis the fact that the train is owned by Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MM&A)the same company behind the train atthe centre of the disaster.

For some residents hearing the whistles again triggered a lot of emotions.

RaymondLafontainelost four people in the tragedy his son, his daughter, his stepdaughter, and his secretary.

He said that while he understands the trains have to return, he wishes that the MM&A was out of the picture.

"There's no choice ... there's no other tracks, and the train must pass through, but I deplorethe factthat it has to be from the same company," he said.

Local economy depends on railway

Tafisais one of the biggest employersinLac-Mgantic, where the local economy dependson the rail system.

MayorColetteRoy Laroche said the time had come for the trains to return.

"For businesses in the region and workers, it's news that has been awaited for several months," she said.

But Roy Larochesaid she sympathizes with those who are still in mourning.

"I also understand what it's like for citizens to hear and see the first trains pass through," she said.

No hazardous materials allowed

Roy Larochemade the announcement on Monday that rail traffic would resume this week.

The announcement came after the town ofLac-Mgantic, TransportCanadaand trustees with the MM&A reached an agreement outlining new standards for rail travel.

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The agreement states that no hazardous materials will be carried by any trains passing through the town.

Companies are also required to publish a list of the materials that will be transported on train carsat least four hours before they roll through town.

The new standards also requirethepresence of an engineer andaconductoron board trains at all times.

On a federal level, Transport Minister LisaRaitthas confirmed that a severalworking groups have been set up to look at changes tohow crude oil is classified and transported across the country.

MM&A bankruptcy hearing begins

As Lac-Mgantic residents gradually return to normal life, a bankruptcy hearing starts Wednesday for Montreal, Maine & Atlantic.

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The railway company filed for bankruptcy last summer.

The hearing will aim to establish bidding procedures for the company and set a deadline for people to file claims against the railroad.

There are more than a dozen interested buyers, and there has already been a $14.25-million bid from Railroad Acquisition Holdings LLC.