Repentigny train derailment: Transport Canada appoints a departmental observer

Crews clean up a derailed cargo train in Repentigny, Que., on Monday, July 6, 2026. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

Transport Canada appointed a departmental observer on Friday to support the investigation being conducted by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada following a train derailment in Repentigny.

The department stated that it is closely monitoring the measures taken in the wake of the train derailment that occurred last Sunday on the edge of a residential neighbourhood.

Although no hazardous materials were spilled and no one was injured, 49 railcars derailed near homes along the railroad tracks around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Transport Canada’s rail safety inspectors are monitoring the response by Canadian National Railway (CN).

“This includes conducting on-site inspections to verify compliance with safety regulations and speed limits,” Transport Canada stated in a press release issued early this evening.

Trains are currently operating in the area at a temporary speed limit of approximately 15 km/h, which is well below the regulatory speed limit of 80 km/h.

“This limit will remain in effect until all necessary inspections, tests, and follow-up work have been completed to ensure the safe continuation of rail operations,” the department said.

Transport Canada also reiterated that it has “the authority to suspend operations or impose conditions at any time if there are safety concerns,” including by restricting operations as necessary.

CN had indicated that its crews had completely rebuilt the track and ballast before rail traffic resumed overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Additional repairs are also scheduled to be carried out over the next few days.

Once the work is complete, approximately 750 metres of track and 2,100 metric tonnes of new ballast will have been used for the restoration. A new railroad crossing is also under construction.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 11, 2026.