Saskatchewan boosts short-line rail funding to $1M, but experts and the NDP say more investment is needed to strengthen trade and supply chains.
Province Increases Rail Funding in Latest Budget
The Saskatchewan government announced a funding increase for its short-line railways in the 2025–2026 provincial budget, raising total provincial support to $1 million. This represents an 88% increase—up from $530,000 in the previous year. The announcement was reiterated Tuesday at a press conference led by Highways Minister David Marit.
Thirteen provincially regulated short-line railways operate more than 2,100 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan. The funding comes through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP), a 50-50 cost-sharing initiative between the province and private rail operators, totalling $2 million in available project funding this year.
Essential to Export and Local Supply Chain
Short-line railways serve as a bridge between rural areas and Class 1 carriers like Canadian National Railway. They transport bulk goods, especially agricultural products, from Saskatchewan producers to global markets.
“We are the first and last mile of the operation,” said Glenn Pohl, senior railway specialist at Xpert Railway Consulting. “Our infrastructure enables producers to load and unload goods close to where they work.”
Minister Marit emphasized that short-line rail supports Saskatchewan’s export-based economy while easing pressure on provincial highways. “Short-line railways are an integral link that help move our commodities to markets around the world,” he said.
Critics Argue Funding Is Still Inadequate
While the funding increase was welcomed, critics say it doesn’t go far enough. Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck urged greater provincial and federal coordination to expand short-line capacity.
“With mounting trade pressures from the U.S., Canada must prioritize domestic infrastructure,” Beck said Thursday. “We need to get our world-class products to market more efficiently and reliably.”
Pohl echoed those concerns, calling the $1 million insufficient when divided among 13 railway companies. “We face real challenges—maintenance costs, infrastructure expansion, and taxation. More investment is essential for growth,” he said.
Mixed Reactions from Industry Leaders
Andrew Glastetter, president of the Western Canadian Short-line Railway Association and general manager of Great Western Railway, expressed satisfaction with the funding, while also highlighting the need for external partnerships.
“I don’t think we want to be seen as lined up with our hands out,” Glastetter said. “But we are keen to grow and contribute further to the supply chain. We’re actively seeking support beyond Saskatchewan to expand.”
Despite the shortfall, both Glastetter and Pohl said Saskatchewan’s short-line railways remain committed to developing new opportunities and improving Canada’s trade infrastructure.
2025–26 Provincial Funding Allocation
The province’s $1 million in funding has been allocated as follows:
- Great Western Railway – $250,073
- Big Sky Rail – $167,541
- Great Sandhills Railway – $82,945
- Carlton Trail Railway – $71,391
- Last Mountain Railway – $56,122
- Stewart Southern Railway – $54,471
- Red Coat Road and Rail – $47,456
- Long Creek Railroad – $45,000
- Northern Lights Rail – $45,000
- Southern Rails Cooperative – $45,000
- Thunder Rail – $45,000
- Torch River Rail – $45,000
- Wheatland Rail – $45,000
Calls for Broader Support Grow
As industry experts and provincial leaders assess the impact of this year’s funding, one message remains clear: Saskatchewan’s short-line railways play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding Canada’s export and trade potential. But for long-term resilience, critics say broader, sustained investment is required—from both provincial and federal levels.
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