Regional district to explore reopening Dawson Creek to Alberta railway

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is exploring reopening railway infrastructure between Dawson Creek and the Alberta border.

During the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors September 18th meeting, the topic of interprovincial railway infrastructure in the Dawson Creek area was discussed. 

The discussion first began at an interprovincial meeting in Gordondale, Alberta on August 20th, making its way to the PRRD’s electoral area directors committee meeting on August 21st after which a recommendation was submitted to the PRRD board of directors. 

Danielle Veach, director and mayor of Pouce Coupe, expressed surprise about seeing the recommendation, citing comments she had heard from “the Alberta side” about CN Rail having no interest in reopening lines in the area due to the costs involved. 

“It’s not that I wouldn’t like to see this rail activity back in this region, but my concern is spending taxpayers’ money on looking into something without actually hearing any interest from CN [Rail],” Veach stated. 

Lilia Hansen, director and mayor of the City of Fort St. John, echoed Veach’s experience, and detailed how CN Rail had consistently pushed back on the idea of reopening rail infrastructure in the region as a “business case,” citing the millions of dollars in costs involved with repairing existing railways.

Brad Sperling, director of Electoral Area C, noted his support for rail expansion, explaining the economic benefits of rail revitalization in the region. 

“Dawson Creek used to be a vibrant interchange for rail,” Sperling stated. 

“I think we’re doing a disservice to our taxpayers if we do not at least have that conversation and look into it.” 

Leonard Hiebert, board chair and director of Electoral Area D, also noted his support for railways and concerns for the region’s existing infrastructure. 

“This is something that would benefit us,” Hiebert said. 

“My concern…is what happens to the Dawson-Chetwynd line if we don’t all of a sudden see more activity, is that one gonna hit the dirt too?” 

Ultimately, all the directors, with the exception of Veach, voted to support a recommendation to investigate “future opportunities” surrounding reopening railway linkages between Dawson Creek and the Alberta border, and requested staff provide background information on existing railway closures in the region. 

No information was provided on when the results of this research and investigation would be returned to the board.