CN Rail says it is discussing relocation plans for privately owned rail cars stranded in Hay River since a rail line was damaged by wildfire in 2023.
While CN repaired the track from Alberta to Enterprise after the 2023 wildfire season, the company decided not to rebuild the approximately 35 km of rail line between Hay River and Enterprise.
Late last month, the Canadian Transportation Agency dismissed the NWT government’s application in its dispute with CN over the remaining damaged section of the line.
The territorial government had sought an order from the transportation agency requiring CN to repair and resume operations on the line.
CN estimated it would take 12 weeks and cost $16 million to repair the track, which the company said would only serve limited traffic.
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CN plans to discontinue the line and expects the statutory process for doing so to be completed by November 28.
Some Hay River residents have questioned what that will mean for rail cars that remain in the town.
In a statement to Cabin Radio, CN said it “continues to advance the discontinuance process” including sending letters offering the line for “net salvage value” to the Town of Hay River, GNWT and federal government.
CN added it is “fully aware that privately owned cars remain in Hay River and continues to discuss relocation plans with their owners.”
CN did not disclose who owns those rail cars.
The company has previously said it is working with the Town of Hay River to complete work to repair rail crossings in the community.
