The urban canopy of Quebec City’s high town is facing a significant reduction as the city pushes forward with its ambitious transit overhaul. CDPQ Infra has announced that the process of removing trees on Boulevard René-Lévesque will begin this summer, marking a critical and contentious phase of the preparatory work for the city’s future tramway system.
Jean-Philippe Pelletier, vice-president of TramCité at CDPQ Infra, detailed the upcoming disruptions during a press conference on Wednesday. The removal of greenery is a prerequisite for the complex underground work required to modernize the artery’s infrastructure, a move Pelletier described as a last resort to prevent further project delays and escalating costs.
The scale of the environmental impact remains a point of contention. While figures suggesting that 250 trees are slated for removal on Boulevard René-Lévesque have circulated, CDPQ Infra officials declined to confirm the exact number. Instead, they stated that the figure must be refined as preparatory works progress and the specific needs of the underground networks are better understood.
The decision to clear these trees is driven by the “complex and densified” nature of the area. According to Pelletier, the boulevard sits atop a dense web of existing underground utilities and networks that must be navigated or relocated before the tramway tracks can be laid. This necessity creates a direct conflict between the preservation of mature urban forestry and the engineering requirements of a modern light-rail system.
Phased Disruptions and Traffic Re-routing
The intervention on Boulevard René-Lévesque will not happen all at once. To manage the impact on the city’s flow, the works will be divided into two distinct geographic zones covering a total of four kilometers. This phased approach is designed to mitigate total gridlock in the upper town, though significant “transit circulation” restrictions are inevitable.
| Zone | Location | Start Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Zone | Between Université Laval and Avenue Belvédère | Summer 2026 | Initial tree removal and prep work |
| East Zone | Between Avenue Belvédère and Avenue Turnbull | Autumn 2026 | Full transit closures in effect |
Once the second phase begins in the autumn, the boulevard will no longer be available for transit traffic in its entirety. Temporary closures will be implemented, though officials have emphasized that residential access will be maintained. To manage public frustration, the project team has promised regular communications to retain citizens informed of the evolving situation.
Local concerns regarding the 2026 edition of the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) were also addressed. Deniel Genest, director of the tramway’s pivot office, offered reassurances that the project anticipates minimal interference with the festival’s presentation this year, suggesting that the timing of the preparatory works has been calibrated to avoid major clashes with the city’s largest summer event.
The Path to the ‘Final Solution’
The current removals and utility works are part of a longer strategic runway. The partners involved in the project are spending the next 14 months refining what Pelletier calls the “final solution.” This comprehensive plan, which will include the definitive cost and a finalized timeline for the megaproject, is scheduled to be presented to the Government of Quebec in July 2027.
The provincial government will then hold the power to grant the final “green light” for the project. While Pelletier stopped short of calling the approval a formality, he maintained that “all lights are green,” signaling confidence that the project remains viable despite the inherent complexities of urban construction.
The project’s momentum is also tied to high-level financial diplomacy. Pelletier noted that ongoing negotiations between the provincial and federal governments regarding Ottawa’s portion of the funding are continuing in the background. He asserted that these political and financial discussions have no direct impact on the technical preparatory work currently being executed on the ground.
Political Presence and Local Leadership
The political climate surrounding the tramway was subtly mirrored at the press conference. Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand was present in the room, though he maintained a low profile, standing at the back of the room to listen to the technical briefings. When he did speak, it was briefly and in a separate room, where he expressed satisfaction that the tramway project had reached a level of advancement previously unseen in its history.
When asked if he still holds the title of “Captain Tramway,” a nickname reflecting his staunch support for the project, Pelletier responded with a smile, noting that all partners are working in harmony to bring the vision to fruition. This unity is essential as the project moves from the planning and preparatory phase into the highly visible—and often disruptive—phase of physical demolition and construction.
For residents and business owners along the boulevard, the coming months will be a test of patience. The tension between the desire for a modernized transit system and the immediate loss of urban greenery and traffic fluidity remains the central challenge for CDPQ Infra and the city administration.
The next major milestone for the project will be the continued refinement of the tree removal list and the commencement of the West Zone works this summer. Further updates on specific street closures and residential access protocols are expected as the summer start date approaches.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the balance between urban development and environmental preservation in the comments below.
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