By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

In August of 2019, the federal government announced funding for the Great Sandhills Railway (GSR) Southern Saskatchewan Corridor Capacity Improvement Plan (SSCCIP).

Aaron Wenzel, general manager of GSR, which has been in operation since 2009, explained, “GSR received a matching contribution from the Government of Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to upgrade the track from near Burstall to Swift Current and construct a depot track for staging trains. The total project is valued at $8,871,044.04. The Government of Canada’s contribution through the NTCF is 47% of the project’s eligible expenditures totalling $4,169,390.69.”

The project involved contractors bringing in specialized rail equipment to level the tracks. “We’re talking about a number of tie change-outs that will make a significant difference and that will not only make it safer but will allow us to travel at a higher rate of speed,” Wenzel said.

Wenzel said the project is about 75% complete, with the last of the track upgrades starting in the spring of 2021. Nevertheless, GSR has already increased train frequency by 50% to meet shipper demands and will continue to increase as needed to meet their customer’s needs.

A new locomotive and equipment shop has also been erected in Leader. Wenzel explained that although the equipment shop was not part of the SSCCIP, it was a project GSR had wanted to complete for many years. Now it has finally come to fruition.

The new shop will be used for mechanical repairs and rail car repair services, which are proportionally more difficult during the winter months. “It will primarily house our locomotives when they are not in use. This allows us to limit locomotive idling and reduces our carbon footprint,” Wenzel said.

The equipment shop is a welcome addition for GSR. Prior to its existence, repair staff worked in the elements. “We are thrilled to be able to provide our staff with a state of the art facility to maintain GSR’S equipment. This will better allow GSR to meet the demands of our customers, no matter what the season,” Wenzel said.

The main structure is now complete, with the shop floor, service pit, mezzanine, and office space to be completed in the spring/summer of 2021. Local contractors prepared the site and base of the structure’s floor, and GSR hired a local contractor to perform the electrical installation.

“Since being awarded the SSCCIP, GSR has hired ten full-time employees and plans to hire four more full-time employees in the spring of 2021, and potentially more depending on customer demand,” Wenzel said.

“The project’s economic spin-off has also positively impacted 21 companies in the area and throughout western Canada. These companies are in addition to the 70 plus companies GSR purchases from or regularly utilize their services.” Wenzel continued.

The project has resulted in a win/win situation in Leader and throughout western Canada, with economic benefits to the region and a new facility for GSR staff.