An initial evaluation of Winnipeg rail relocation has suggested a disused track in the Brooklands area as a potential starting point. The province released a 21-page report on October 21, highlighting a four-kilometre unused rail section in Brooklands that could be transformed into a green space. A consultant tasked with designing the redevelopment, known as the Westlands Project, is expected to provide recommendations to the province by December.
This proposal marks the first tangible idea from the rail-relocation study, which aims to reduce Winnipeg’s 240-kilometre rail network to enhance housing availability, drive economic growth, and eliminate neighborhood barriers. Led by former federal Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy, the study also explores reconfiguring Winnipeg’s rail infrastructure for incremental improvements.
Additionally, the interim report briefly mentions the potential relocation of the three-kilometre Burlington Northern Santa Fe line in River Heights, which is currently active. Notably, it does not reference the efforts of JohnQ Public, a company owned by 12 Manitoba municipalities, to establish a rail port in the RM of Ritchot with Burlington Northern Santa Fe as a key tenant.
The report suggests examining the consolidation of the 200-hectare Canadian Pacific Kansas City railyard, following the merger with Kansas City Southern in 2023. It calls for financial and technical assessments of the phased relocation of the CPKC Yards and CN’s 321-hectare Symington Yards in St. Boniface, emphasizing gradual implementation plans to minimize disruptions to residential and commercial areas.
While significant progress is pending, the study has initiated an advisory board, engaged with the rail sector and government, and scheduled public involvement sessions. The province allocated $200,000 in 2024 to kickstart the study. There was no response from Axworthy or the Kinew government to comment requests prior to publication.