CPR Pacific number 1231 class G5b powers a Chalk River subdivision way freight leaving the interchange with Canadian National at Arnprior, Ontario - 1959 Photographer unknown.

18 August 2011

County Town Looking at Options for CP Rail Line

Renfrew Ontario - Canadian Pacific Rail has begun removing the tracks from its Chalk River Subdivision running through the Ottawa Valley. But Renfrew County representatives, and even Arnprior's mayor, are still thinking about the future of rail travel along the line.
 
CP spokesperson Ed Greenberg told the EMC that just a little over 40 kilometres (25 miles) would be torn up this year between Renfrew and Pembroke with more to follow over the next two years. As that happens, CP will salvage its railway ties, rails, and related equipment.
 
Arnprior reeve Walter Stack, who is the town's representative at the Renfrew County council table, told his council colleagues that officials from CP, as well as Lanark and Renfrew counties, took a tour of the 187-mile line from Smiths Falls to Petawawa recently. Officials from both counties had the opportunity to check out the rail infrastructure first hand.
 
"It will take them two years to clear the assets off the track," Stack reported, adding CP has said it wants to be part of discussions between the counties.
 
The counties, along with the District of Nipissing, have received positive feedback from CP regarding having the first right of refusal to purchase the abandoned line. The rail line is also interested in pursuing the possibility of selling the rights-of-ways along the line. However, how the counties would fund that purchase has yet to be determined.
 
"CPR said they would entertain leasing the land while the legal transition takes place," Stack noted.
 
Mayor David Reid told his council colleagues buying the last kilometre of rail in Arnprior might be an opportunity worth pursuing.
 
"I've held informal discussions with the City of Ottawa," he said, adding a more formal meeting should take place in a few weeks.
 
Reid said the idea that commuter rail could extend from Ottawa to Arnprior along the kilometre of track that runs through town should not be discounted.
 
"We'd like to keep the option open of keeping the CP line open from the county to the Ottawa line," he stated. "We want to let them know, before lifting that kilometre of rail, check with us." A letter will be sent by the municipality to CP Rail to that effect.
 
Theresa Fritz.