Summary

• While a federal discontinuance process continues, the Province is engaging with CN Rail to support communities, businesses and tourism operators along the Squamish to 100 Mile House rail corridor
• The Province is committed to keeping the corridor in public ownership and protecting its long-term potential to support goods movement, community connectivity and economic growth

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Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, has released the following statement regarding the rail corridor between Squamish and 100 Mile House:

“This corridor has long connected communities and supported economic activity throughout British Columbia. Since CN Rail initiated the federal railway discontinuance process in July 2025, we have remained engaged with the company, communities and industry partners.

“I know communities, businesses, tourism operators and workers along the rail corridor between Squamish and 100 Mile House are looking for certainty about what comes next.

“The first phase of the advance notice period concluded on July 11, 2026, and CN can now advertise the railway line for interested operators to take over operating rights should they choose to proceed with the next step in the federal discontinuance process. CN will inform the Province if they decide to move forward with that step. In the meantime, we will continue to engage constructively with CN.

“Our government is committed to protecting the long-term public interest. The lands and rail infrastructure are owned by the BC Railway Company, a Crown corporation, and we intend to keep this rail corridor in public hands for the benefit of British Columbians.

“Although CN has not used this section of the corridor for freight operations since 2020, it remains an important asset with potential future value for communities along the route. CN remains responsible for maintaining the rail infrastructure throughout the federal process.

“The Ministry of Transportation and Transit and the BC Railway Company have been engaging with industry partners to better understand future opportunities for the corridor. This rail line is more than infrastructure; it is an asset that could support future goods movement, strengthen supply chains, connect communities and create economic opportunities throughout the region provided commercially viable operations can be established.

“Our focus remains on following the federal process, engaging with CN and partners and ensuring the interests of British Columbians are protected every step of the way. We will continue to work with communities, industry partners and First Nations and provide updates as more information becomes available.”