Genesee & Wyoming launches Red Deer Railway, its first short line in Western Canada

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BENTLEY, Alberta — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. today celebrated the launch of its first railroad in western Canada, the 43-mile Red Deer Railway Limited.

RDR runs from Jackson, Alberta, to Homeglen, Alberta, and uses operating rights over Canadian Pacific Kansas City from Red Deer, Alberta, to Chigwell, Alberta, and to Prentiss, Alberta.

A direct interchange with CPKC in Red Deer provides access to the North American rail network, while RDR’s 110-car storage capacity as well as railcar-to-truck transloading and railcar switching capabilities offer broader logistics services.

The railroad’s 10 employees serve customers in the energy industry. The short line begins operations with three locomotives.

The railroad, which is CPKC’s former Hoadley Subdivision, is located midway between Calgary and Edmonton. RDR acquired its assets and other rights from CPKC as part of G&W’s agreement to sell CPKC a portion of its Meridian & Bigbee short line in Alabama.

“With Red Deer Railway, shippers in the booming Alberta Industrial Heartland can now rely on the safe and efficient first- and last-mile service that G&W’s railroads in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec have earned a reputation for,” said Rick McLellan, president of G&W’s Canada operations. “RDR can tailor our service package and operations plans based on the individual needs of area businesses along our 43-mile route. Whether it’s finding the best rail-served location for a business or reaching new or additional markets with our access to the North American network, our team is excited to get to work.”

Today’s celebration in Bentley, Alberta, was attended by employees of RDR and G&W Canada, customers, and local representatives, including Bentley Mayor Greg Rathjen.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I would like to extend my congratulations to all involved in the official inauguration of the Red Deer Railway,” said Jason Nixon, member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “This important occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community and will be critical in providing new opportunities for businesses, enhancing regional connectivity and creating jobs for local residents.”

In addition to its other 10 railroads, G&W’s Canadian operations include Railcare Inc., a railcar maintenance and repair shop in Hamilton, Ontario, as well as BMS Locomotive Service Group Inc., a locomotive maintenance and repair facility in Edmonton, Alberta.