CN now free to seek new operator for rail line

The NDP government says CN is now free to seek another operator to take over the 100 Mile House to Squamish rail line. In a July 13 statement, Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth said the first phase of the advance notice period under the...

The NDP government says CN is now free to seek another operator to take over the 100 Mile House to Squamish rail line. In a July 13 statement, Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth said the first phase of the advance notice period under the Canada Transportation Act ended July 11. Last July, 21 years after entering a long-term lease with BC Rail, CN decided to discontinue the line, even though it had not used it for freight operations since 2020.

It must maintain the infrastructure for the time being. “Our government is committed to protecting the long-term public interest,” said a statement from Farnworth. “The lands and rail infrastructure are owned by the BC Railway Company, a Crown corporation, and we intend to keep this rail corridor in public hands for the benefit of British Columbians.”

Farnworth said the ministry and BC Rail have engaged industry about future opportunities. “We will continue to work with communities, industry partners and First Nations and provide updates as more information becomes available,” Farnworth said.