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Edmonton Journal

Jasper wants more Edmonton passenger train links, but is it a railroad to nowhere?

Article content And adding capacity to what the Edmonton station can handle might be a stretch. Article content 'We work closely with all our passenger service providers, to ensure that the operation of the combined freight and passenger services works as effectively as possible,' said Ashley Michnowski, a CN spokesperson. 'We run a scheduled operating model, which means that each train – whether hauling freight or passengers – runs on a certain schedule and we endeavour to run them all on time. Article content 'Any discussions with respect to adding additional capacity in this corridor would have to balance the existing traffic and capacity demands.' Article content But here's the kicker. Article content While Jasper councillors hope that a Jasper-Edmonton route can better connect that town to Edmonton International Airport, the city can't even connect its own rail station to the airport 32 km south off the QEII Highway. Article content Article content The way forward will require dedicated rails. Compass International, a global construction consulting firm pegs the cost of a single track on a stone bed to be somewhere between $1 million to $1.13 million USD. A double-track layout adds about 50 per cent to the cost. Article content That's just the simple cost of the rails, ties, stones and the price of laying it down. If we're trying to build railway in Edmonton, there's the need to acquire land, build overpasses, underpasses or railway crossings. There's the cost of maybe a new station. In 2024, the Business Council of Alberta reported that Canada is the third priciest country in the world when it comes to building rail. In an urban setting, it can average up to $400 million a kilometre to build rail. Article content But Explore Edmonton, the organization charged with promoting this city as a destination for tourism, is hopeful that Edmonton can get commuter rail, plus train connections to Jasper and, yes, even our own airport. Article content Article content Melissa Radu, Explore Edmonton's Executive director of destination stewardship, said increased rail service in the province 'could mean faster and more convenient travel for residents and visitors, potentially leading to increased tourism and business opportunities in Edmonton. Greater connectivity into Jasper would have its benefits as well as part of the larger plan. Article content 'Specific impacts on Edmonton for visitation could include enhanced connectivity to other major cities and tourist destinations, making it easier for people to travel for work, leisure, or to access other parts of the province. This connectivity could also help attract new businesses and investment to Edmonton, as well as boost tourism and related industries.