1 August 2009
CPR Could Close Part of Line: MLA
Rathwell Manitoba - Carman MLA Blaine Pedersen says
Canadian Pacific Railway could close part of its line along Highway 2.
That portion, part of the CPR's Glenboro subdivision, runs just over 100 kms from Rathwell west to Nesbitt.
With assistance from Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), the Tory MLA is organizing a public meeting in Holland
for 6 Aug 2009.
"The purpose of this meeting is to see if there is producer interest for a shortline railway," Pedersen said. "One way
or another we'll find out."
Pedersen and MAFRI community development specialist Bob Wheeler will act as meeting facilitators.
Wheeler said, under Canadian Transportation Agency rules, a railway needs give advance notice of a line closure.
A particular line must be included in a three-year plan for closures. Towards the end of that period, two months notice
is to be given for any potential buyers. If there is a buyer then another six months is allocated to complete the deal.
"If you don't get a little proactive and get something going there is a short time line," Wheeler said.
FUTURE UNDECIDED
CPR spokesperson Kevin Hrysak said the line's future remains undecided.
"We have made no decision to discontinue the Glenboro subdivision," he said.
However, Hrysak said the subdivision has been on the list to be discontinued since 2006.
He noted the next step would be for the CPR to advertise for 12 to 36 months any plans to close the line, something the company has
yet to undertake. He added the line is not for sale at this time.
Pedersen said the CPR runs trains west from Winnipeg as far west to Rathwell, where there is a Louis Dreyfus terminal.
It also services Pioneer (Starbuck), Viterra (Fannystelle), Paterson (Culross, Holland & Cypress River), and Cargill (Elm Creek).
Pedersen added there is a Cargill terminal west of Nesbitt near the junction of Highways 2 and 10.
It receives rail service from another line extending from the CPR mainline.
In turn there are now few CPR trains continuing west from Rathwell. Hrysak said in 2006 only 133 cars were sent west of the town. In
2007 there were 124 cars, and last year the number dropped to only 84.
Pedersen said the Rathwell to Nesbitt stretch looks to be in good shape.
For the 6 Aug 2009 meeting the MLA invited Boundary Trails Railway Company president Kevin Friesen, Paul Stow from
Mission Terminals, and Art Stacey from Rail West Management.
He said Anhauser Busch is interested in the meeting and Paterson Grain has been invited but had yet to confirm. Pedersen said CPR
declined to attend.
He said the meeting really depends on the farmers.
"If anything comes out of this meeting, it has to involve the producers."
The meeting is at the Holland Community Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Glen Hallick.
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