Champion Alberta - AgriCan International Inc. is looking to construct a new pulse export facility in Champion.
 
According to a Vulcan County report, the chosen site has strong industrial potential due to the lengthy double spur line, easy highway access, and proximity to pulse crop producers.
 
But there's a potential snag, says the County.
 
"It has come to our attention through discussions with AgriCan International Inc. that CPKC is often reluctant to sell vacant lands, even if they have been unused for decades," wrote Nels Petersen, the County's chief administrative officer, in a report for council's 7 Jun 2023 meeting.
 
"This unwillingness to allow access to rail sidings reduces efficiency in the shipment of agricultural products and impedes competitiveness, as only the very largest of corporations have direct access to rail."
 
On 7 Jun 2023 Vulcan County council agreed to send a letter to Bow River MP Martin Shields asking him to advocate for increased rail siding access on CPKC.
 
"While CPKC is a private company held by Institutional Investors, Transport Canada, and the Government of Canada can provide comment and impose regulations on several rail line matters," wrote Petersen.
 
The letter, which was to be signed by Jason Schneider, Vulcan County's reeve, formally requests Shield's assistance in advocating for improved access to CPKC rail lines for the shipment of agricultural commodities.
 
"Specifically, I urge you to collaborate with your colleagues in Parliament to encourage the development of fair and transparent processes for allocating rail siding capacity, ensuring that smaller agribusiness receive equitable treatment, and fair access to the rail network," reads the letter.
 
"There also may be the opportunity for a comprehensive review of regulations governing rail transportation to identify any outdated or burdensome provisions that hinder the movement of agricultural goods and propose necessary reforms to streamline processes."
 
Stephen Tipper.