24 August 2006
Rarely-Used Rail Lines Added to CTA Three-Year Discontinuance Plan
Canadian Pacific Railway has placed six branch lines on its
Canadian Transportation Act (CTA) Three-Year Network Plan for potential discontinuance, due to low-traffic
volumes on these lines. The decision comes after a detailed assessment that showed these lines were not viable for the railway over the
long term.
By registering the lines on the CTA Three-Year Network Plan, CPR has taken the first step in a
federally-legislated process that governs potential discontinuance of rail lines. This includes a framework for interested
groups to consider these lines for continued operations.
The six branch lines added to the CTA Three-Year Plan are as follows:
- Glenboro line (MB), between Rathwell and Page - 62.8 miles;
- Gravelbourg line (SK), between Mossbank Junction and Hodgeville - 53.8 miles;
- Hatton line (SK), between Hatton and Golden Prairie - 17.7 miles;
- Macklin line (SK), between Luseland and Macklin - 28.1 miles;
- Tyvan line (SK), between Stoughton and Whitmore - 82.5 miles;
- Former Macleod line (AB), between Aldersyde and High River - 3.7 miles.
Line discontinuance will take place in accordance with the process established in the Canada Transportation Act. Under CTA provisions,
lines slated for discontinuance must first be offered for sale to the shortline marketplace for continued rail operation and then to
governments before the railway can discontinue its operations. Unless new rail operators are found for these lines, CPR may discontinue
operations in accordance with the Canada Transportation Act.
All changes to the railway's network discontinuance plan are made public through CPR's Three-Year Network Plan.
A copy of the plan is also available for review at:
Canadian Pacific Railway
Gulf Canada Square
401 9th Ave. S.W. - Suite 500
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4Z4
CPR's existing 13,500-mile rail network in Canada and the United States continues to include more than 5,200 route miles
of track through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
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