In an effort to strengthen Canada’s supply chains, the federal government has committed up to $18 million toward the construction of a rail park outside Winnipeg being built by Victoria-based Focus Equities.
The money will be used to establish a second mainline switch, several kilometres of additional rail track, a lift station and connection to access roads for the park at CentrePort Canada.
CentrePort, which covers 20,000 acres spreading across Winnipeg and Rosser, Man., is the largest inland port and foreign trade zone in North America.
It provides access for rail, truck and air cargo operations.
The rail park is expected to improve the movement of goods between rail and other modes of transport and, as a result, reduce truck journeys, address congestion on highways and reduce pollution.
Ken Mariash, owner of Focus Equities, said: “The federal government’s investment will enhance the interconnectivity across North America improving supply chain efficiencies.”
Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the investment will create jobs and generate revenue.
“The development of the rail park at CentrePort Canada will reduce congestion and enhance the flow of goods across the country, resulting in significant economic benefits for the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region and for Manitoba,” he said.
