Government of Canada to help fund track upgrades on CEMR

Facebook/Kildonan-St. Paul Member of Parliment MaryAnn Mihychuk

The Pine Falls subdivision of Central Manitoba Railway (CEMR) will undergo track upgrades courtesy of a CA$5.6 million (US$4.3 million) investment from the government of Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund.

Government officials explain that the fund supports infrastructure projects that contribute to the country’s trade corridors.

The CEMR project will upgrade approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) of track between Canadian National’s Symington Yard to the Imperial Oil terminal at Birds Hill. Work will include the installation of new crossties, new rail and track materials, as well as improvements to drainage and ballast. Additionally, new main line switches and crossing improvements will allow heavier trains along the Pine Falls subdivision.

“Transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies. The investment announced here today will make our transportation system stronger by addressing urgent capacity constraints at the Central Manitoba Railway and fostering long-term prosperity for our community,” said Member of Parliament for Kildonan — St. Paul MaryAnn Mihychuk.

CEMR is owned by Cando Rail Services. The shortline was established in 1999 when Cando acquired the Pine Falls and Carman subdivisions from Canadian National.