While discussions are still preliminary, Mayor Don Atchison said a group of Saskatoon businesses have expressed interest in doing something about the rail lines running through the city.
He dropped the hint Tuesday on the Brent Loucks Show. The Mayor’s office provided few details other than the consortium was considering everything from rail line relocation to land development.
“I don’t know all the details. Maybe it’s the land in the CP rail yards they’re interested in. I’m not sure,” Atchison said.
Atchison highlighted crossings at 20th Street, 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive, Central Avenue and the diamond intersection on 23rd Street that could become active pedestrian corridors and tie into the Meewasin Valley Authority trail system if the tracks were removed.
“It would be absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Canadian Pacific Railway declined to comment on whether they had been approached or were aware of a potential bid from the business community.
According to a statement on the company’s website, “Relocation of rail lines and yards is a complex and serious issue which would involve CP, local and national customers, regulators, local community organizations and all levels of government.”
It goes on to say an extensive review would take place in order to determine the impact on customer service and the full cost to all stakeholders.
A city report in March estimated the cost of moving rail lines outside Saskatoon at $400,000.