In the era of rail line abandonment, some prairie communities are planning ways to pick up where the major rail companies leave off.
In Outlook, Sask., a group called Vital Ties has formed to organize public hearings later this month to gauge interest and rally community support. The town learned in April CP Rail wants to transfer the subdivision to a short-line rail company.
The announcement was made at the same time CP said it planned to discontinue operations on 719 kilometres of track in Saskat-
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chewan and 439 km in Alberta and change three sections to short lines.
While the news was better than hearing the lines would be abandoned, many worried higher freight rates and a declining level of service could follow.
Now some communities are ready to take action.
“Support has been phenomenal,” said Joan Corneil, regional economic development officer.
Grain is being trucked off the line now and hauled to larger facilities. Farmers end up paying more for transportation, but the entire community pays a price.
“It is beating up the road system that is not at all in good shape,” Corneil said, “and the tonnage that is traditionally hauled on that track did not get through this winter.”
One idea could see the track owned by producers, possibly in partnership with a major grain company, and run by a short-line operator.
“If there is enough interest, we would envision a three or four major track loading facility with a partner that could manage the system,” said Corneil.
She wouldn’t say which grain company is looking at the venture, but said the facility would likely include four large hopper bottom bins the company would operate.
Vital Ties, made up of local municipal officials, is focused on finding ways to make sure the grain stays on the line. Corneil said keeping the service intact is more than just a matter of convenience. Losing the facility would mean a significant loss in the education tax base in the area, up to $200,000 for the Outlook School Division, Corneil said.
Similar discussions are under way in Arborg, Man.
Donnie Fridfrisson, co-ordinator for the Interlake Development Corporation, said no groups have formed to get the ball rolling but there is interest.
“The message we got from CP was that they didn’t feel now was the time to get specific about community involvement,” Fridfrisson said.
Barry Scott, a spokesperson for the railway, said the company will first try to strike a deal with its unions to take over the lines.
If that fails, it is prepared to seek outside interest.
Discussions with the company’s own employees will take place over the next three years, he said.
