Desire to purchase a portion of Canadian National (CN) rail lines may be picking up steam in Starland County.
The county has sent off a letter to CN inquiring about the purchase of the Dinosaur Spur, a section of rail between Morrin and Munson.
The hope is, by purchasing the section, the county could help farmers who have grain storage near the line and expand the county’s Public Works Shop, which is adjacent to the line.
“We have some potential use from the property, but we haven’t heard back from CN yet,” said Ross Rawlusyk, CAO of Starland County. “The line is right next to our public works shop, so buying the land would allow us to expand the shop.”
In the Council meeting, Rawlusyk also explained the rail could be useful for expanding rail tourism in the area. The county is a member of the East Central Alberta Heritage Society, which works with Alberta Prairie Steam Tours in Stettler.
However, there would be some work required to have the rail serve a tourism function.
“It’s pretty light rail and not in great shape,” said Rawlusyk.
The desire to purchase the Dinosaur Spur section comes after CN offered to sell Starland and Wheatland Counties, and the Town of Drumheller their respective sections of the rail line that runs through the area.
The cost was too high.
“CN has taken the option to do donations, municipally, off of the table, so then it becomes a straight cash transaction. There’s no way the three municipalities left could afford it,” said Rawlusyk. “At one time, CN was giving us an indication they might take a large chunk of the cost of acquiring the line as a donation.”
In a letter from Palliser Regional Municipal Services addressed to CN, Palliser’s intent to purchase the section was officially withdrawn. The letter also highlights how the closure process is flawed in that the municipal partners involved have little ability to have meaningful negotiations.
“There are certainly issues there,” said Rawlusyk.
Regardless, the county is hopeful in their request to purchase the Dinosaur Spur. However, no reply has been received from CN.
