31 January 2007
Torch River RM Meets to Discuss Rail Line
Nipawin Saskatchewan - There's almost 30 miles of railway
track available from Nipawin to Choiceland and some people think it would be a good idea to seize the opportunity. Ratepayers from the
RM of Torch River and others interested in the issue gathered at an information meeting on Tuesday, 23 Jan 2007 in
Choiceland.
"The main objective of the meeting is to find out if ratepayers in the RM are interested in pursuing buying the railroad from
Choiceland to Nipawin," explained RM of Torch River Reeve Dennis Scott. "It's basically in the RM's ballpark now if they
want to buy it or not."
Scott noted that if the RM does not purchase the line, it will most likely be tendered out for demolition. Should this happen,
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) will be obligated to pay $10,000 per mile of track for three years. This would mean that the RM would
gain $700,000 if the line is abandoned, plus the centres of Nipawin and White Fox would also receive a payment.
The closing date for the RM to submit its intent to purchase is 6 Feb 2007 and Scott reminded the around 90 people
gathered at the Elks Hall that other factors will need to be considered if the decision to buy is made. "If we were to purchase
it, we would also have to look at buying an engine to pull the cars if we're going to operate a rail," said Scott. "We'll
need somebody to drive that engine and there's also going to be some maintenance on the track over the years."
CP has offered the Choiceland to Nipawin line to the province until 7 Jan 2007 and were going to notify the RM if the
province decided to purchase. The RM has not heard back from CP on this matter and assumes that no purchase has been made.
Ron Shymanski gave a brief history on the White Fox Sub Rail Committee, a group that was organized to purchase the line. "About a
year ago, there was a public meeting held in Choiceland," Shymanski explained. "Ten people were elected to a committee to
look into the purchase of the line." He also noted that the group was required to put in a $1,000 deposit to CP in order to start
negotiations. This deposit also made available the status of the track and the rail bridge over the Saskatchewan River, which were
both noted as being in good condition.
There was much discussion and many questions from those in attendance as to the feasibility of such a purchase. A motion was made that
the RM express an interest to continue negotiations with CP Rail. Before any decision is made to purchase, however, due notice will be
given to ratepayers so a public meeting can be held to further discuss the issue.
A show of hands from the ratepayers in attendance was conducted with the vast majority voting in favour of the
motion.
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