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[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

Saskatchewan mayors seek to shift route of VIA’s Canadian

December 13, 2023

 

Officials argue move to Prairie North Line could help timekeeping, serve larger population

 

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — A group of mayors in Saskatchewan are proposing to shift the route of VIA Rail Canada’s Canadian northward from its current route to Canadian National’s Prairie North Line, saying the shift would offer a number of benefits for the passenger train.

 

The mayors of Lloydminster, North Battleford, Warman, and Yorkton, Sask., presented the proposal at a meeting in Saskatoon, Sask., on Tuesday, Dec. 12. They say it would increase the population served by the train in communities along the route, improve timekeeping by moving the Canadian away from heavier freight traffic, offer a more scenic route, bring the train closer to a number of National Parks and National Historic Sites, and connect more Indigenous and rural communities.

 

 

Continue here.  

[KevinKorell]

CBC,  12/13/23:

 

 

  Sask. mayors ask Saskatoon to join campaign for Via Rail passenger train reroute    

 

 

Four Saskatchewan mayors have asked the City of Saskatoon to join their calls for Via Rail to divert its passenger trains to another existing train line — helping their cities get stations and stops.

 

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[KevinKorell]

Editorial in sasktoday.ca     12/13/23:

 

 

   Editorial: VIA Rail proposal should lead to broader discussions  

 

 

It was interesting to hear from Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley regarding a plan which is in place that if accepted and implemented would see Via Rail passenger service in Yorkton.

 

Editorial

[KevinKorell]

Saskatoon, SK Star-Phoenix, 4/9/24:

 

 

 Report touts benefits of moving VIA Rail route through Saskatchewan      

 

 

Saskatoon city staff are advising city council that there’s merit in supporting a group of Saskatchewan mayors in an effort to have VIA Rail switch its passenger rail service to a different line.

 

Update