Bridge closure bumps potential Winnipeg rail relocation back into spotlight

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This article was published 23/11/2023 (692 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former federal Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy believes the closure of the Arlington Bridge has given Winnipeg a real opportunity to move its rail yards out of the city.

In a letter to the Free Press, Axworthy says Winnipeg could build more inner-city homes or pathways, while eliminating barriers that have divided the community for decades, with the removal of a railroad network that “imperils” safety.

“Since the tragedy of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec a decade ago, there is a growing understanding of the extreme hazard of moving dangerous chemicals and petroleum products through urban areas,” he wrote. “A single derailment could cause widespread destruction in heavily populated neighbourhoods in Winnipeg.”

Rail relocation has been a topic of discussion for decades, from the enormous financial cost to the benefits.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said Wednesday he would discuss the subject further with Liberal MP Dan Vandal (Saint Boniface—Saint Vital), who is Manitoba’s senior federal cabinet minister. The politicians are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss a range of matters.

“Our government is ready to support and work with the City of Winnipeg and our partners on Winnipeg’s priorities,” Vandal said in a statement Thursday.

“Rail relocation would be an extensive process that would require study and support from partners and all levels of government. I have every intention to continue working with Mayor Gillingham on this file as it moves forward and we are open to having a discussion on rail relocation with our partners.”

Axworthy said a citizens committee has made proposals to the city and Manitoba government for a major study on relocation. Half of the study’s cost would be covered by the federal government, he added.

“It is a chance to tackle in an imaginative and comprehensive way a forward looking initiative that would have significant long-term benefits.”

Axworthy was involved in the conversion of the old CN Railway yards downtown, which became The Forks. He endorsed Gillingham in the 2022 mayoral election. Gillingham’s platform included a pledge to support incremental relocation opportunities.

The city closed the Arlington Bridge for safety reasons Tuesday, amid concerns about its structural integrity. The closure stemmed from an ongoing study into whether it is feasible to prolong the structure’s lifespan by another 25 years.

Previous estimates put the cost of a new bridge at about $330 million. The cost could now be more than $400 million, public works chairwoman Coun. Janice Lukes said Wednesday.

Built in 1912, the north-south span crosses the CP Railway yards in the middle of Winnipeg.

Axworthy previously lobbied for yards and lines to be moved, as a leading member of the Rail Yard Relocation Project.

The group sought government funding for a feasibility study to determine, among other things, the potential cost of relocating rail networks. The word “billions” has come up in the past.

Sel Burrows, a fellow member of the project, said the group envisioned mixed-use developments — including housing, businesses and parks — on freed-up land, while integrating the north and south sides of Winnipeg.

The CP rail yards alone represent about 400 acres of potential, he said. “With that much land, we could have such a wonderful development in the city.”

While it didn’t get a firm number, project members were told such a development would increase the city’s tax base.

The topic resurfaced in April, after a train derailment on a rail overpass closed McPhillips Street. Then-Progressive Conservative premier Heather Stefanson said she was willing to discuss relocation with Gillingham.

In 2016, her predecessor, Brian Pallister, scrapped a task force that was launched by the previous NDP government.

New Democrat and Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan, who also previously championed relocation, spoke in favour of such efforts again Thursday.

“This is something I’ve been a long time supporter of and I think this is an opportunity we can take,” she said, speaking by phone. “It’s something that has been supported and pushed for in the community for a long time… I’d like to listen to the community and see what they would like to be done with that space.”

Manitoba’s NDP government, which was sworn in last month, did not say whether it has discussed rail relocation with municipal officials, but noted it “is always open to engaging in discussions with the city about how we can help advocate for Manitobans at the federal level.”

“We want to work towards solutions that address the root causes of infrastructure challenges,” Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie said in an email statement.

Point Douglas resident Katherine Bitney is among the Winnipeggers in favour of relocating rail networks.

“I think we all worry that we could quickly turn into Lac-Mégantic,” she said, referring to the 2013 rail disaster and explosion that killed 47 people. “There’s the danger that something terrible could happen.”

Bitney, a member of the Point Douglas Residents Committee’s environment subcommittee, said hazardous cargo should not be transported through a city.

Aside from general safety, air, soil and noise pollution are among the concerns of Point Douglas residents who live next to rail lines.

“These are not good for the health of our residents,” said Bitney.

The lines that cut through the neighbourhood are on raised land, she noted.

“We’ve talked about wouldn’t it be good to have public transport going through there?” said Bitney.

Residents have also expressed a desire to “re-wild” some of the area, she said.

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In an email statement, CP said the city advised it of the Arlington Bridge closure Tuesday afternoon.

“We remain engaged with city officials to assist with necessary next steps,” it said.

“An extensive review would need to take place to determine the impact to customer service and the full cost to all stakeholders, which will be significant.”

— with files from Tyler Searle

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Chris Kitching
Reporter

Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris.

Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.