Oyen receives $11.8 million from Transport Canada

Transport Canada officials announced in a recent press release that the town of Oyen will receive $11.8 million to expand the Oyen Rail Yard. The project calls for adding more than 38,200 feet of new track next to the existing yard, enabling the creation of an agricultural and industrial park and a short line.

“This expansion will benefit 400 local producers and 15 businesses by improving their connection to larger freight-rail networks, helping them to get their products to market more reliably,” Transport Canada reported. This is one of three transportation projects in Canada’s prairie provinces under the National Trade Corridors Fund.

Mayor of Oyen, Doug Jones explained this is a matching grant, whereby the town of Oyen matches the amount given. “We did about 4,000 feet of track this summer and will probably do another 6,000 feet of track,” Mayor Jones said. “It’s a good thing for the town, and will provide better service for the farmers, so we’re pleased about it.”

“By enhancing transportation infrastructure across the Prairies, we’re strengthening our supply chains and driving economic growth,” said Canada Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez.