Each year, CN is required to manage vegetation on its right-of-way. Managing this vegetation contributes to mitigating fire risks and enhances the efficiency of inspection of track infrastructure. The spray program is not being done for aesthetic reasons.
To ensure safe railway operations, CN will conduct its annual spray program on its rail lines in the province of Quebec. A professional applicator (Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada, Ltd., 1-800-465-6367) will be applying herbicides on and around the railway tracks (primarily along the 24-foot gravelled area/ ballast). Product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will be met.
CN only uses herbicides that have been approved for use in Canada and in the province within which they are applied.
The program is expected to run from May to October 2025.
The CN corridor is private property to which public access (apart from places provided for this purpose) as well as any activity, including plant collection, is strictly prohibited at all times, and this, in compliance with Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Act.
Visit www.cn.ca/vegetation for more information or to make an inquiry, contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at contact@cn.ca or 1-888-888-5909.