Railway development.

Projected lines, surveys, construction, betterments, etc.

...

Canada Atlantic.—E. J. Chamberlin, General Manager, speaking of the proposed short line of 100 miles between Ottawa and Montréal, recently stated that two routes were being surveyed. The first plan is from Glen Robertson to the G.T.R. bridge at Ste. Anne's, 20 1/2 miles from Coteau; the second from Glen Robertson by a tangent to Ste. Marthe, St. Lazare, across the County of Vaudreuil, up to I'lle aux Tourtes, three miles above the bridge at Ste. Anne, then directly to Montréal. It was reported later that a route from St. Justine to Vaudreuil was also being surveyed, and Mr. Chamberlin has stated that the C.A.R. is satisfied with the latter route, and will proceed with the permanent location. This cut will shorten its mileage between Ottawa and Montréal by 8 miles, the total distance between the two points by the proposed new route being 108 miles. The piece of line to be constructed on this route would be 16 miles long. It would leave Couteau Jct. off the main line. The gradients would be about 5 ft. to the mile, curvature 30 min. Concrete arch structures would be built over all steams.

Since the above was written we have been officially informed that, while the St. Justine-Vaudreuil route has been decided on, nothing is being done about construction, as the management feels there is no object in spending money to reach Montréal by a shorter route, until the Dominion Government takes some measures to improve the port. Although an appropriation of $1,000,000 has been voted by Parliament for the last-named purpose, there is no sign of any action being taken to expend it.

J. R. Booth says that the building of the Central Station in Ottawa will be commenced in Sept., the Government not giving up possession of the militia stores until then.

Railways: C.A.Ry.