Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) has officially launched its first railroad in western Canada, marking a significant milestone with the establishment of Red Deer Railway Limited (RDR). This new venture, which operates between Jackson, Alberta, and Homeglen, Alberta, will leverage operating rights over Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) tracks from Red Deer to Chigwell and Prentiss, Alberta. A key feature of RDR’s operation is its direct interchange with CPKC in Red Deer, providing seamless access to the extensive North American freight-rail network. Additionally, RDR offers valuable logistics services, including railcar storage, transloading from railcars to trucks, and railcar switching capabilities, catering to a range of business needs in the region.
The newly formed railway will primarily serve customers in the energy sector, with a team of 10 dedicated employees managing operations. Rick McLellan, President of G&W’s Canada operations, expressed enthusiasm about the new service, stating, “With Red Deer Railway, shippers in the rapidly growing Alberta Industrial Heartland now have access to the safe and efficient first- and last-mile services that our railroads in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec are known for.” McLellan emphasized that RDR’s tailored approach allows it to address the specific needs of businesses along the 43-mile route, offering flexibility in operations and access to new markets via the broader North American network.
The official inauguration ceremony was held in Bentley, Alberta, where G&W Canada and RDR employees, local representatives, and customers gathered to celebrate the launch. Bentley Mayor Greg Rathjen and Alberta Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jason Nixon attended the event, highlighting the significance of the new railway for the local community and economy. MLA Nixon remarked, “On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my congratulations to all involved in the official inauguration of Red Deer Railway. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community, providing enhanced regional connectivity and creating valuable job opportunities.”
RDR’s formation was made possible by the acquisition of its assets and operational rights from CPKC, a transaction that was previously announced between G&W and CPKC.
In addition to its new Red Deer Railway operations, G&W’s Canadian presence spans across several other enterprises, including 10 additional railroads, Railcare Inc., a railcar maintenance and repair facility in Hamilton, Ontario, and BMS Locomotive Service Group Inc., which offers locomotive maintenance and repair services in Edmonton, Alberta. Through these initiatives, G&W continues to strengthen its role in Canada’s transportation and logistics sectors.