📋 Tender Overview
Released on June 18, 2026
Today, Highways Minister Kim Gartner announced the provincial governments annual allocations of 1 million in infrastructure investments for short line rail, which plays a key role keeping Saskatchewans export-based economy moving and on track.
Short line rail helps connect Saskatchewan commodities on their journeys to markets around the world, Gartner said. They provide a safe and efficient option to move bulk commodities and that helps protect Saskatchewan highways by reducing wear and tear from vehicles.
The provincial funding will go toward track upgrades and expansion, improved crossing surfaces and sightlines, bridge maintenance, track rehabilitation and other projects under the Ministry of Highways Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP). In total, short line rail infrastructure investment will be up to 2 million, as the SRIP is a 50-50 cost-sharing program between the provincial government (1 million) and privately-owned short lines (1 million) for eligible projects.
The Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for their continued support of the short line railway industry in our province, Western Canadian Short Line Railway Associations Director of Communications and Government Relations Rachel Mackenzie said. Over 150 communities in Saskatchewan are located along short line railways and we are proud of our role as stewards of rural infrastructure, quality employers and transportation providers that help bring the best of Saskatchewan grain, potash and energy products to the world and bring the goods we need back home. The Short Line Railway Improvement Program will assist short line railways in upgrading infrastructure to support modern customer requirements and to meet the expanding demands for Saskatchewan exports.
Allocations for 2026-27 of 1 million in provincial government funding are:
9961526 Canada Ltd. (Leader west area) 24,000
Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) 45,000
Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) 45,000
Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) 45,000
Southern Rails Cooperative (south of Moose Jaw) 45,000
Long Creek Railroad (west of Estevan) 45,000
Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) 45,000
Red Coat Road & Rail (Ogema area) 46,052
Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) 52,860
Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) 54,462
Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) 69,279
Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) 78,088
Big Sky Rail (Delisle, Eston, Elrose region) 162,584
Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) 242,675
Fourteen provincially-regulated short line railways operate on 2,123 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Devin Pacholik
Highways
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: devin.pacholik@gov.sk.ca
