GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY KEEPS GRAIN ON THE RAILS

Released on December 13, 2004

A group of local investors operating as Great Western Railway (GWR) today held the official Grand Opening of their locally-owned short line railway.

The rail line was acquired from the previous owner, Westcan Railway Ltd. of Abbotsford B.C., on November 1st, 2004, for a purchase price of $5.5 million. Funds were raised through a public share offering and a provincial loan of $1.7 million. Headquartered in Shaunavon, the network is made up of four subdivisions in south western Saskatchewan totalling 496 km.

"The local board of directors and our shareholders are proud to own and operate the largest regional railway in Saskatchewan," Great Western Railway President Conrad Johnson said. "The local operation of this railway will help to ensure a viable future for the elevators and processing plants along the line, providing more options for producers."

Local investment in facilities along the short line since its original transfer from CPR has exceeded $17 million, including elevators and expanded processing plants. There are currently 38 shipping points on the GWR network, with almost 60 per cent of their traffic in producer cars. As a single operating railway GWR originates and moves the most producer cars in all of Canada.

"I congratulate the local investors who have ensured the continuance of this rail network, and have contributed to the ongoing development of the south west region of the province," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The provincial government will continue to work closely with local groups to retain rail service on these lines and keep rural communities vibrant."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Conrad Johnson President, Great Western Railway Shaunavon Phone: (306) 293-2902

Sharon Erickson Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4908