RABASKA EXPROPRIATION VOTE IN LÉVIS: AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE REVERSAL THAT WOULD SEND A VERY POOR MESSAGE

Québec City, June 2, 2023 – The Port of Québec is requesting that the City of Lévis’ elected officials postpone the vote scheduled for today on the resolution to expropriate the Rabaska Limited Partnership from several properties. For the Port, which is preparing to finalize the purchase of the properties held by Rabaska, the filing of this resolution is sudden, unilateral, and incomprehensible. Its adoption represents a major obstacle in the creation of the Québec-Lévis industrial-port zone and threatens to plunge the sector’s development into years of stagnation.

The Port of Québec, which learned just yesterday of the existence of the expropriation plans through a notice of a special meeting, has always worked closely with the City of Lévis. This was the case as recently as last Monday when it met with the City’s senior management. The Port’s desire has always been to find ways to realize the region’s full potential in a spirit of collaboration. Many talks are underway for this purpose with the Government of Québec, the Greater Lévis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Davie Shipyard, agricultural producers, the citizenry and all stakeholders.

“This reversal seems highly contradictory. Until now, we have always been able to count on both the City and its mayor’s collaboration. Such a hasty decision would send a very negative message, especially to the local, national, and international business communities. We request that Lévis’ elected officials take the time needed to maintain a climate of trust, and above all to ensure the sector’s optimal development for the foreseeable future.” noted Port of Québec CEO Mario Girard.

The Port has no doubt that the presence of a port and a shipyard like Davie are major attractions for a region. To get the most out of it, it is important to have a global vision. Partially expropriating Rabaska’s lands would inevitably lead the Port to re-examine the acquisition of the Lévis-Est lands. 

The development of the Québec-Lévis industrial-port zone is part of the Avantage Saint-Laurent strategy put forth by the Québec government and offers unique advantages not found in the other sites of the Québec-Lévis industrial-port zone, mainly due to its large area and maritime and rail access.

About Port of Québec
The Port of Québec is among Canada’s five largest ports in terms of tonnage handled and economic spinoffs. It is strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. Each year, cargo ships from or to some fifty countries call at the Port of Québec to connect the Great Lakes and Midwestern U.S. markets to the rest of the world. Twenty percent of the port’s territory, which extends from Beauport to the South Shore, is dedicated to recreational activities and tourism.

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Information:
Frédéric Lagacé
Communications Director
Port of Québec
418 929-5031
[email protected]