The historic rail yards that split Winnipeg have been the focus of redevelopment plans for decades, but the province of Manitoba has now launched a new study to move them out of the city.
"Moving rail lines out of Winnipeg is a historic opportunity to reshape our capital city for the future," said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, after announcing the creation of the task force headed by former Quebec premier Jean Charest.
Selinger said the province would invest $400,000 towards the task force's work.
"While work has been underway for many years, today we are taking significant concrete steps forward in efforts to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public safety and create new opportunities for jobs and economic development," Selinger said in January.
The Canadian Pacific yards sprawl over 280 acres south of Jarvis Avenue, with another 39 acres west of McPhillips Street, splitting the central city from its north end. The BNSF Railway has a smaller rail yard in River Heights.
The question is, where the rail yards go?
CentrePort, northwest of the James Richardson International Airport, has been mentioned as a possible location. It covers more than 19,000 acres as an inland distribution and warehousing depot that links air, ground and rail transport.
However, no firm discussions have taken place, according to a CentrePort spokesperson.
CentrePort is building a common-use rail facility, to allow multiple rail lines, according to a Centreport statement.
Proponents of moving the rail yards say it will open Winnipeg lands close to downtown for housing, green space and commercial development.
But leading Winnipeg developer and real estate agent Sandy Shindleman of Shindico Realty Inc., warns that there would be substantial clean up costs for the old rail yards before any redevelopment could begin.
