REM expropriation: don’t wait to claim your indemnity

Montréal, October 18, 2017 – The Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM), managed by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, will require the expropriation of several properties. According to the information obtained through an access to information request, 200 lots would potentially be included in these proceedings.

On September 27, the National Assembly sanctioned the Act respecting the Réseau électrique métropolitain, which aims to speed up the proceedings for taking possession of expropriated buildings. However, the text of this law is not yet available to the public.

Several of our clients have already been served with the first expropriation notice. The effect of this notice is to initiate the expropriation proceedings. To our knowledge, two dates for the transfer of ownership were announced, namely July 2018 and July 2019, which are based on the complexity of the file.

The expropriated party shall have 15 days after the date of the notice of expropriation to:

Appear before the Tribunal;

Declare in writing to the expropriating party the name and address of all tenants of the expropriated property.

Subsequently, the expropriating party must notify the tenants of the expropriation proceedings, who may also appear before the Tribunal and claim any damages resulting from the expropriation of the property they occupy.

To better understand this process, please read this document that briefly describes the proceedings of an expropriation file. However, please note that the Act respecting the Réseau électrique métropolitain may modify the time limits referred to in the document.

Do not wait to consult a professional to learn more about the indemnity that you might be entitled to.