CP to File for Abandonment CP has advised that it will formally file to the Canadian Transportation Agency for authority to abandon the rail line from just west of Rathwell to just west of Nesbitt (the Line).What Does This Mean to You and Your Community?Should CP ultimately receive authority to abandon the Line:
there will little if any future opportunity for the communities along the Line to grow and prosper and many communities will deteriorate and some may disappear, as the likihood of attracting any industry or industrial development to a community not served by a railroad is slim
many producers will continue to be required to haul their output to market 25, 50 to 100 miles from their farm gate and the current trucking subsidies paid by grain companies will dry up and disappear
the Municipal road system will be subject to Super B and other truck traffic for years to come which will eventually destroy the grid road system, unless major road maintenance and upgrades are done on a regular basis, at significant costs to rate payers
What Can be Done About Saving the Railway
A save the railway committee has been given the task to develop a recovery plan for the proposed rail line discontinuance announced by CP Railway. A steering committee has been established that includes representatives from communities located along the rail line.
RailWest Management Ltd. a short line railway consulting company has determined it is feasibility to acquire the assets of the Line before it can be abandoned.
The River Hills Railroad Company (RHRR) has been incorporated for the purposes of the purchase of the Line.
A business plan has been completed, showing the initial costs and the benefits and operating costs of acquiring the Line.
Initiatives are underway to raise the capital required to complete the purchase of a portion of the Line and the lease of the balance of the Line from CN.
What's In It For:Producers:
Savings up to $1,500 for each producer car loaded
Assurance of the continuation of trucking subsidies at many locations
Rail Service "on demand"
Safety net as the price of fuel rises
Avoidance of fuel surcharges by truckers
Communities:
Retention of community identity and the current way of life
Retention of industrial development opportunities
Establishment of producer car loading facilities at selected locations to replace the business formerly associated with producers hauling to country elevators
