Here are some of the approximately 10 groups looking at setting up short-line railways to retain local service, listed by the name of the rail subdivision.
- Bulyea – Canadian Pacific Railway wants to abandon half the line, while the regional transportation committee group wants to buy the entire line, which runs 138 kilometres from Bulyea to Neudorf in Saskatchewan. The group has to make an offer by June 4. There are two operating elevators on the western end of the line at Southey and Cupar.
- Radville – A local group called Wey-West Rail made an offer to CPR on May 10 to buy the 130 km of track running west from Weyburn to Bengough in Saskatchewan. CPR didn’t say yes or no, telling the committee it is willing to continue discussions. The local committee does not yet have a formal business plan. No grain has been shipped on the line since 2000. There is one elevator at Bengough.
- Bromhead – The line was listed for abandonment in July 2006. A group called South East Farmer Rail made an offer to CPR this spring and had not heard back as of last week. The deadline for a deal to be struck is Sept. 11. There has been no traffic on the southeastern Saskatchewan line for several years.
- White Fox – A group made up of municipalities and farmers has been negotiating with CPR to buy the 45 km line in northeastern Saskatchewan. A spokesperson said discussions with CPR have been positive and an announcement on the future of the line could be made soon.
- White Bear and Matador – These two short branch lines run south of Canadian National Railway’s Elrose subdivision in Saskatchewan, which is the operating ground of West Central Road and Rail. There has been no traffic on either line for several years and there are no handling facilities. West Central said it hasn’t yet decided whether to make an offer on either line.
- Alliance – This Alberta line running southeast from Camrose is home to Battle River Producer Car Group. It’s trying to convince CN to retain ownership of the line in return for a guaranteed tonnage agreement. The group said its 150 members can ship about 1,000 cars a year off the line.
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Prairie lines slated for abandonment
These are the prairie branch lines slated for discontinuance in the national railways’ three-year plans.
The lines are listed by subdivision, although not all of each subdivision is necessarily up for abandonment.
Canadian Pacific Railway
- Manitoba – Arborg, Glenboro, La Riviere, Napinka.
- Saskatchewan – Bromhead, Bulyea, Gravelbourg, Hatton, Kerrobert, Macklin, Outlook, Radville, Tyvan, White Fox.
- Alberta – Cardston, Irricana, former Macleod, Stirling.
Canadian National Railway
- Manitoba – none.
- Saskatchewan – Craik, Lewvan, Matador, Northgate, Preeceville, Robinhood, Amiens spur, Turtleford, Bolney spur.
- Alberta – Alliance, Dinosaur spur.
