CANTUAR — Saskatchewan Highways Minister Kim Gardner announced new funding allocations for short line railway infrastructure during an event held at the Cantuar Hall, about 20 kilometres northwest of Swift Current, on Thursday.
“Short line railways play an important role in our export-based economy,” Gardner said. “They get Saskatchewan’s food, fuel and fertilizer on their journey to markets around the world.”
Gardner said the province’s export-driven economy depends on a strong transportation network.
“A strong economy enables our provincial government to invest in the programs and services residents need and deserve. Transportation plays a pivotal role in that, which is why our government continues investing in short line railway infrastructure.”
The province is allocating $1 million in funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program. The program provides grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, including track upgrades, bridge maintenance and improved crossing safety.
Fourteen provincially regulated short line railways operate more than 2,100 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan. Gardner said those railways handled more than 30,000 loaded railcars in 2025 — the equivalent of between 60,000 and 90,000 truckloads.
“Moving bulk commodities by rail helps reduce wear and tear on Saskatchewan highways,” she said.
Funding is distributed based on track mileage and is reviewed annually through the provincial budget process.
Among this year’s allocations, Great Sandhills Railway, which operates in the Swift Current-to-Leader area, will receive $78,088. Big Sky Rail, operating in the Delisle, Eston and Elrose region, will receive $162,584. Great Western Railway, serving the Assiniboia, Shaunavon and Coronach areas, will receive $242,675.
Representatives of the three companies were in attendance, along with representatives of the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association.
Perry Pellerin, CEO of Great Sandhills Railway Ltd., said provincial support has been critical to the railway’s growth.
“This railway started 17 years ago with a meeting in a basement and a decision to move forward,” he said. “With help from the provincial government, including an earlier no-interest loan program, we were able to get started. Without that support, we wouldn’t be here.”
Pellerin said the railway has grown significantly, from seven employees moving about 3,000 railcars annually to handling approximately 26,000 railcars in 2025.
“It is very remarkable. We thank the province and are putting the funding to good use.”
Aaron Wenzel, general manager of Great Sandhills, said the program supports long-term partnerships between industry and government.
“Short lines are local. A lot of what we generate goes right back into the communities we operate in,” he said. “Today we have 45 employees, and our customer base has grown significantly.”
Wenzel said the funding will be used primarily for track upgrades, including replacing ties across the network.
Andrew Glastetter, general manager of Great Western Railway and president of the association, said the funding helps operators maintain and improve infrastructure.
“It allows us to strengthen our track programs and better support the supply chain, including handling heavier loads and improving overall efficiency,” he said.
Kent Affleck, CEO of Mobil Grain, which operates Big Sky Rail and Last Mountain Railway, said the funding will go toward capital improvements, including rail ties and infrastructure upgrades.
“We’re very appreciative of the province’s support,” he said.
Rachel McKenzie, director of communications and government relations with the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association, said the province’s continued investment helps strengthen supply chains.
“There are more than 2,000 kilometres of short line track in Saskatchewan, connecting about 150 communities,” she said. “Short lines provide flexible, cost-effective service, especially for smaller customers, and help move Saskatchewan exports to global markets.”
Representatives from Swift Current were also in attendance, including Corla Rokochy, CEO of the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce, and Darcy Congdon, director of community development with the City of Swift Current.
Congdon said rail access remains a key factor in economic development.
“Having rail access is very valuable when attracting new business and industry,” he said. “It supports growth not only in Swift Current but across the surrounding rural region.”
