The future of the Tisdale subdivision was discussed back in March leading to Wednesday's announcement. (file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Tisdale Subdivison

Efforts being made to repair rail line between Hudson Bay and Tisdale

Aug 7, 2019 | 12:47 PM

Discussions are underway between the Hudson Bay Route Association (HBRA) and Canadian National Railway on the transfer of the Tisdale subdivision.

It was announced Wednesday in Flin Flon, Manitoba, efforts are going ahead to repair the 53 miles of rail between Hudson Bay and Tisdale.

Member of the HBRA Chris Hudyma said the line plays a key role in attracting growth.

“As I look at Tisdale and Hudson Bay we are the inland Prairie port with the terminals and forestry sector but we need Churchill to make this connection and we need this little piece of railroad,” he said.

Hudyma said talks are in the preliminary stages but things are looking promising for the rail that has not been used for 15 years.

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“To grow an economy, you need growth,” Hudyma said. “That means communities like Mistatim, Hudson Bay and Tisdale, there is opportunity to attract businesses coming back and that line is a key component for us if we can get it up and rolling.”

CN had put the line on its three year discontinuous plan which prompted a meeting in Mistatim in March. The meeting featured speakers that included a representative from CN to discuss the state of the Tisdale subdivision.

“We have five terminals and are probably the largest cluster of grain terminals in Canada in our area and freight costs are huge for us,” Hudyma said. “This little piece would be a very interesting puzzle.”

The cost for this is around $15 million to repair according to Hudyma but is the shortest route from Northeast Saskatchewan to the Port of Churchill in Manitoba.

Hudyma thanked Federal Trade Minister Jim Carr for his work on efforts as well.

Carr is set to speak at Wednesday’s meeting.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser