Taking bids for Laval metro

The Quebec government is looking for a company to build the metro extension to Laval, Que.

The Transport Minister has just set aside more than $340 million to build it.

Transport Minister Guy Chevrette agrees this isn't the first time the provincial government has promised to extend the metro to Laval.

He says this time, the project is a sure thing because the government has voted to set aside the money.

"Before we present the proposition we present the project, but we never decreed for the money," Chevrette says. "Now, since Wednesday, the minister council voted the project with money."

The government has set aside almost $340 million for the project, which will pay for three new stations in Laval. The line will reach the Montmorency CEGEP and will have a transfer point for the Blainville suburban train.

Laval Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt is very pleased by the announcement and says he knew this day would eventually come.

"I never had any doubt in my mind that I would convince all authorities of the necessity of establishing an infrastructure that is exactly suited to do the job," Vaillancourt says.

Construction is slated to begin in October and the station should open in January of 2006.

Chevrette is also talking about extending the metro's blue line, east to Anjou.