C$1M Allocated for Short Line Rail Infrastructure in Saskatchewan

Torch River Rail

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - $1 million has been allocated for infrastructure improvements for short line rail in Saskatchewan.

Highways Minister Kim Gartner announced on June 18 the provincial government is investing $1 million into short line rail infrastructure as part of the Ministry of Highways’ Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP). These funds will go toward upgrading and expanding track, improving crossings, maintaining bridges and track, and other projects.

The SRIP is a 50-50 cost-sharing program between the provincial government and privately-owned short lines, therefore the total infrastructure investment will be up to $2 million, according to the release. Below is a list of allocations for the 2026-2027 $1 million funding.

• $24,000 for 9961526 Canada Ltd. in the Leader west area
• $45,000 for Thunder Rail in the Arborfield area
• $45,000 for Torch River Rail in the Nipawin to Choiceland area
• $45,000 for Northern Lights Rail located west of Melfort
• $45,000 for Southern Rails Cooperative located south of Moose Jaw
• $45,000 for Long Creek Railroad located west of Estevan
• $45,000 for Wheatland Rail in the Cudworth, Wakaw area
• $46,052 for Red Coat Road & Rail in the Ogema area
• $52,860 for Stewart Southern Railway located southwest of Regina to Stoughton
• $54,462 for Last Mountain Railway located near Regina to Davidson
• $69,279 for Carlton Trail Railway in the Saskatoon to Prince Albert area
• $78,088 for Great Sandhills Railway in the Swift Current to Leader area
• $162,584 for Big Sky Rail in the Delisle, Eston, Elrose region
• $242,675 for Great Western Railway in the Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area

Minister Gartner said, “Short line rail helps connect Saskatchewan commodities on their journeys to markets around the world. . . They provide a safe and efficient option to move bulk commodities and that helps protect Saskatchewan highways by reducing wear and tear from vehicles.”

Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association‘s Director of Communications and Government Relations Rachel Mackenzie said, “The Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for their continued support of the short line railway industry in our province. . . Over 150 communities in Saskatchewan are located along short line railways and we are proud of our role as stewards of rural infrastructure, quality employers and transportation providers that help bring the best of Saskatchewan grain, potash and energy products to the world and bring the goods we need back home. The Short Line Railway Improvement Program will assist short line railways in upgrading infrastructure to support modern customer requirements and to meet the expanding demands for Saskatchewan exports.”