The Saskatchewan government is ramping up its support for short line railways, announcing $1 million in infrastructure funding through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program. This amount represents an 88 percent increase from last year’s budget.
The increased investment aims to enhance safety and efficiency on the province’s 2,123 kilometres of short line track. Highways Minister David Marit emphasized the importance of short lines to the province’s economy, calling them “an integral link” in the supply chain.
Of the 13 railways receiving funding, four short line railways operate in southeast Saskatchewan.
The Great Western Railway, which runs from Coronach, through Assiniboia, to Shaunavon, will receive the largest local allocation at $250,073. Red Coat Road and Rail, operating near Ogema, will receive $47,456.
Stewart Southern Railway, which runs from southwest of Regina through Stoughton, is set to receive $54,471. Long Creek Railroad, which connects Estevan and Tribune, will receive $45,000.
The SRIP is a 50/50 cost-sharing program, meaning the total infrastructure investment will reach up to $2 million this year when matched by privately owned short line operators. Eligible projects include track upgrades, bridge maintenance, improved crossing surfaces, and enhanced safety measures.
Rachel Mackenzie with the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association welcomed the announcement, noting that rising material costs have made maintenance more expensive in recent years. She added that the funding increase “will go a long way to further supporting the value that short line railways bring to the supply chain.”
Funding amounts are based on the length of track each short line operates, with a minimum of $45,000 awarded to railways with under 80 kilometres of track.