Short Line Railways have received a significant increase in funding for rail maintenance on the 2,123 kilometres of track they operate in Saskatchewan.
Highways Minister David Marit says up to $1 million dollars is available from the Province for the 13 short lines through the 50-50 cost shared Short Line Rail Improvement Program (SRIP), which brings the total rail infrastructure investment up to $2 million for this year.
Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association Director of Communications and Government Relations Rachel Mackenzie says rising material costs over the last three years means that it is now more expensive per mile for railways to maintain their tracks to meet and exceed the safety and performance standards required.
Marit says this years investment from the province is an 88 per cent ($470,000) increase in funding which recognizes those increased costs, and the important role they play in not only moving our commodities to market but in taking a substantial load and traffic off the highway.
He notes the funding will go toward track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, track rehabilitations and other projects.
The provincial grants provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs which is determined by how much track each short line owns. Short lines with less than 80 kilometres of track receive the base amount of $45,000. Larger networks receive a proportional amount based on how much track they operate.
Provincial government funding allocations for 2025-26 are:
Big Sky Rail (Delisle, Eston, Elrose region) $167,541.
Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) $71,391.
Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) $82,945.
Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) $250,073.
Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) $56,122.
Long Creek Railroad (west of Estevan) $45,000.
Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) $45,000.
Red Coat Road and Rail (Ogema area) $47,456.
Southern Rails Cooperative (south of Moose Jaw) $45,000.
Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) $54,471.
Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) $45,000.
Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) $45,000.
Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) $45,000.