Railways and Access to Markets

With the logjam in trying to have pipelines developed a variety of entrepreneurs are developing an alternative method of getting West Central SK's resources to markets in Asia, Eastern Canada, and the US. The alternative method is railway.

Railcar with drilling pipes, September 24, 2013

In less than a decade the shipment of oil has increased exponentially. Another example of this is the development of an inland rail terminal for oil in Kerrobert. This is good news for our region so our products can reach their markets. The one caveat we have is that the province and the Town of Kerrobert work to preserve their respective road infrastructure in West Central SK.

One other point: safety. Train lengths are now up to approximately 180 cars carrying a variety of products that when mixed together can be dangerous. Further, municipalities are not informed by the rail companies of the materials passing through their jurisdiction. This has to change so first responders such as Fire Crews, can respond effectively without injury including death.FCM is continuing to work on this on behalf of communities like Kindersley and Kerrobert. Rail companies prefer that the police reach the site of an incident first so that people won't go into the area where there may be materials mixing together that may cause harm.

During the morning of September 25th 16 rail cars derailed near Landis resulting in oil leaks.

Developments like this makes it imperative that we work together to improve the quality of life for residents of West Central SK.