Raymond Savoie and his partner, Rita Boulanger, have received news that their home and part of their land in Lac-Mégantic, Que., will be expropriated by the federal government for a train diversion project. Originally built by Savoie’s great-grandfather nearly 100 years ago, the house was initially told to be moved or dismantled, but Savoie is skeptical. The rail bypass project, which was supposed to help the town recover from a devastating train derailment in 2013, has become a source of division and anger among residents. Ottawa has confirmed the expropriations, but lawyers representing the affected residents have filed an injunction request, citing improper procedure and the need for approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency. Concerns raised about the bypass include its potential for triggering derailments, lack of proper study on alternate routes, rising project costs, and potential environmental impacts such as loss of wetlands and contamination of water sources. Transport Canada remains committed to the bypass, citing improvements in safety and decreased proximity of residences to the tracks. However, the final project has not yet been approved, and the Canadian Transportation Agency has requested more information on its environmental impact. Lac-Mégantic Mayor Julie Morin supports the bypass due to the topography of the area, the trauma of the 2013 derailment, and the transportation of hazardous materials through the downtown. Despite the uncertainty and stress, Savoie and Boulanger are determined to stay in their home and fight until the end, hoping for fair compensation and the ability to continue living where they were born.