Feds invest $15M in western railroads

STURGEON COUNTY, Alta. — On Feb. 10, the minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced an investment of $15 million to increase transport capacity on the western Canadian rail network.

Transport Canada says the project increases the efficiency of shipping from the Alberta Industrial Heartland — an area near Edmonton known for its hydrocarbon processing — with the construction of a new 1,930 car rail storage yard in Sturgeon County, northeast of Edmonton. Major project components include a large loop track and 32 parallel storage tracks capable of accommodating railcar storage and assembly of trains.

These investments will create an estimated 880 jobs during construction, according to Transport Canada.

Garneau said in a statement, “Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient.”

Freeland added, “Transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional, and national economies. This investment in the Alberta Industrial Heartland will increase access to transportation, help businesses get more products to market, and support quality and well-paying middle-class jobs.”