About Us
On March 31, 2006 Keewatin Railway Company (KRC) completed the purchase of the Sherridon rail line from the Hudson Railway Company (HBR) owned by OmniTrax Inc. of Denver.
The 185-mile Sherridon subdivision runs between Sherritt Junction and Lynn Lake, Manitoba.
Keewatin Railway Company is the second First Nations railway to be created with the financial support of the Government of Canada and Manitoba
Keewatin Railway was established to help build a strong local economy, by introducing business opportunities and services that will benefit the region.
Three key reasons KRC was established.
- Take over operation of passenger and Frieght services in Northern Manitoba .
- Access new business opportunities that would be available to an owner of a railway.
- Owning the Sherridon positions KRC to achieve this goal.
- Open the posiblity of owning other Northern Rail lines.
Our History
In the spring of 2003, following the closure of the mine near Leaf Rapids, HBR announced its intention to abandon the Sherridon rail line.
TCN and War Lake approached Mathias Colomb and proposed a plan that involved the First Nations working together to solve the problem.
July 24, 2003 - Memorandum of Co-operation was signed to jointly assess and pursue transportation opportunities in northern Manitoba.
After getting commitments from Canada and Manitoba to provide funding for the purchase of the line. along with commitments from VIA Rail, MCCN, TCN and WLFN formed KRC.
April 2003, 2004 - KRC signed an agreement with HBR to purchase the Sherridon Rail line.
Company Bio
The Keewatin Railway Company was created by three partner nations to own and operate the Sherridon Rail line.
On April 1 2006, KRC commenced operations to service and maintain the Sherridon rail line.
An investment by the Government of Canada, will fund railway track rehabilitation, bridge re-decking and the purchase of railway equipment. This government support will enable KRC to provide safer and more reliable railway services.
We currently operate two round trips caring freight and passengers between Pukatawagan and The Pas each week.
Experienced rail personal were hired to train First Nation members and are involved in all facets of railway, including management, administration and physical operations.