By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. celebrated the launch of its first railroad in western Canada, the Red Deer Railway, on December 2. 

The 43-mile-long short line runs from Jackson to Homeglen, Alta., and uses operating rights over Canadian Pacific Kansas City from Red Deer to Chigwell and Prentiss. RDR has a direct interchange with CPKC at Red Deer. The new operation is the result of CPKC taking over another G&W operation, the Meridian & Bigbee, in Alabama earlier this year. As part of the transaction, CPKC agreed to transfer its Hoadley Subdivision to G&W. The new railroad has 10 employees and predominantly serves the energy industry. 

“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.”