CPR updates network restructuring plan

Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) has updated its three-year network plan as the first step toward discontinuing five low-volume branch lines in Western Canada as a result of long-term traffic declines.

Under this latest revision to its network plan, five lines have been identified as candidates for discontinuance. In Saskatchewan: Arcola Subdivision, 41.3 km (25.7 miles), between Redvers and Carlyle, Burstall Subdivision, 88 km (54.7 miles), between Burstall and Ingebright Lake, and Rocanville Subdivision, 3.3 km (2 miles), connecting the Sylvite Spur to Rocanville.

In Alberta: Willingdon Subdivision, 209 km (130 miles), between Lloydminster and Star, and in British Columbia, Kimberley Subdivision, 25.7 km (16 miles), between Cranbrook and Kimberley.

CPR says there is little or no freight traffic on these branch lines, with grain facilities and other industries either having closed, scheduled to close or having opted for truck transportation over rail.

Unless new operators are found for these rail lines in the private or
public sectors, CPR plans to discontinue operations in accordance with the
Canada Transportation Act (CTA).

Under the provisions of the CTA, lines slated for discontinuance must
first be offered for sale to the shortline marketplace and then to governments before the railway can take steps to end operations.