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Spring 2005
Canadian Pacific Railway Employee Communications
Room 500 401-9th Ave
S.W. Calgary AB T2P 4Z4
It's a Green Light for Growth
Constructing locomotive set-off tracks near Geddis,
B.C.
More expansion, more capacity, and more
commitment to our customers - all are on the way with our recent announcement that we are expanding our track
network in Western Canada. A favourable economic climate, coupled with CPR's financial health and our desire to take
advantage of the current opportunities in world markets, have set us on an ambitious and exciting course. A capital
outlay of about $160 million Canadian will allow 25 expansion projects on key corridors to be completed this year. By
this fall, when the work is complete, CPR will be able to operate another four trains daily between the Prairies and
the Port of Vancouver - a 12 percent increase in capacity in our fastest-growing corridor.
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Removing debris to widen right-of-way, after blasting
on Thompson Subdivision.
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"Several important developments gave us the confidence that the time is right to make this level of
investment", said Rob Ritchie, CPR president and CEO. "We secured a five-year contract with
our largest customer, Elk Valley Coal Corporation, which includes substantially higher rates and a 30 percent increase
in coal volumes by 2009, with a provision for additional tonnage at a rate premium. Three major potash producers, all
served by CPR, have announced plans to increase production by a total of 2.6 million tonnes per year between the
second quarter of 2006 and the fourth quarter of 2007. Amendments to transportation law were tabled that specifically
ruled out forced access and set the stage for a stable regulatory environment in Canada for the foreseeable
future".
Customers and partners, including the Port of Vancouver, which wants to expand, had eagerly anticipated CPR's
announcement. Many voiced support for our efforts to secure a stable regulatory environment before making this
investment. The provinces of British Columbia and Alberta were also highly supportive, recognizing the value of more
rail capacity to move their resources and the crucial role CPR plays in British Columbia's strategy to position the
province as the preferred gateway to North American markets.
Western Canada Expansion - Click to see a list of projects.
This Momentum magazine article is copyright
2005 by Canadian Pacific Railway and is reprinted here with their permission. All photographs, logos, and trademarks
are the property of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
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