Eminent Winnipegger Lloyd Axworthy will explore the feasibility of relocating the city’s rail infrastructure to open up strategic lands for housing and civic spaces. After allocating funds for the initiative in the Manitoba budget earlier this year, Premier Wab Kinew has announced the appointment of the former federal cabinet minister and president of the University of Winnipeg to lead what’s expected to be a two-year study.
“Manitoba’s rail lines are an essential part of what makes our province a central, economic hub and it’s important we explore the best options for its location,” Kinew says. “Dr. Axworthy is the best person to guide this process. With his proven leadership and commitment to our province, I know he will bring together the concerns of residents, the business community and all levels of government to bear on this important issue.”
Canadian Pacific and CN are the prominent operators of rail lines and yards in Winnipeg, but the study will look at all lines serving the city. A 2011 map produced by the University of Winnipeg’s Institute of Urban Studies estimates that rail infrastructure — including lines, yards, stations, junctions and associated industrial areas — occupies more than 4,300 acres (1,745 hectares).
Axworthy promises his work will address safety concerns and redevelopment opportunities, while respecting the importance of the transportation sector in the regional and provincial economies. “It’s a propitious time to study the important relationship of the railways to our city and develop an integrated plan that can centre Winnipeg as the location of a major transportation hub,” he maintains.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham is among the many local voices that have long advocated for such a study. He commends Axworthy’s appointment, and underscores the opportunities to redevelop abandoned spur lines and underused rail corridors.
“The City of Winnipeg is eager to be part of this study, and we look forward to working with the provincial and federal governments and other partners to look at the feasibility of relocating rail lines,” Gillingham affirms. “This issue has been debated in Winnipeg for many years, but we need solid information on costs, potential funding sources, and the impact on rail operations, jobs and city infrastructure. This data will help guide future decisions.”
