The investments are a significant contribution in the face of Canada’s economic challenges after the coronavirus lockdown and follows the announcement by CN of similar investments for Alberta and Quebec totalling $C 540m.

In British Columbia, CN will invest $C 445m to expand the province’s rail capacity, as well as the maintenance of existing infrastructure. This will include the construction of roughly 5.6km of double track between Vancouver and Edmonton, the construction of new passing loops on the Edmonton – Prince Rupert corridor, as well as upgrades to track in rail yards.

Additionally, CN will replace 161km of rail and 209,000 sleepers, including 46,000 new concrete sleepers, resurface 22 level crossings, and conduct maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signalling and other track infrastructure. CN has also committed to continuing its existing work to expand capacity at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

“A sound railway network is critical to our local, provincial and national economies,” says Ms Claire Trevena, minister of transport and infrastructure for British Columbia. “Our government appreciates CN’s contribution and dedication to strengthen our supply chain, especially as we begin to safely restart the economy after Covid-19.”

In Ontario, CN plans to invest $C 310m in the province, focusing on the replacement of 96.6km of rails and around 195,000 sleepers, as well as the maintenance of bridges, level crossings, culverts and other track infrastructure. In addition, CN plans to improve the network’s intermodal freight facilities.

CN will also invest $C 10m in Nova Scotia, primarily for the maintenance of CN’s single mainline connection between the port of Halifax and the province of New Brunswick. Maintenance work will include the replacement of 6.4km of rail and approximately 30,000 sleepers, the resurfacing of eight rail crossings and maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signalling and other infrastructure.