Released on July 24, 2008
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard congratulated Torch River Rail Inc. on their official opening today, after Saskatchewan's newest shortline railway recently began operations to help meet the transportation needs of the province's robust economy.
"It is a pleasure to see this latest shortline become a reality," Elhard said. "I commend everyone involved in this east-central Saskatchewan railway for their dedication and hard work to get this on track. The Government of Saskatchewan was also pleased to play a role in supporting Torch River Rail Inc."
Through one of three Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure programs to support and foster shortline rail, Torch River Rail received a $256,000 interest-free loan toward the purchase of a 45-kilometre shortline between Nipawin and Choiceland, northeast of Prince Albert. The purchase was finalized between Torch River Rail and Canadian Pacific in December 2007. The company's locomotive arrived this month.
"The shortline railway sector is important to our province and links our export-based economy to various markets," Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw said.
Shortline rail can also help reduce truck traffic on roads. For example, one rail grain car can carry the same load as at least two semi trucks in a Super B configuration, which is a semi truck pulling two trailers of varying lengths.
The Ministry also has a program to help participants prepare business plans and feasibility studies for potential shortline railways, along with a grant program to improve shortline railway infrastructure.
Saskatchewan currently has eight operational shortline railways covering 1,411 kilometres, which are regulated by the province. These provincial shortlines connect to the rail lines of national railways, which are regulated by the federal government.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Cell: 306-536-9692