By Dave Branco

CN Rail’s exit puts Quesnel’s economy on the wrong track

Mar 30, 2026 | 2:13 PM

QUESNEL – CN Rail plans to stop operating a key section of rail in BC, and a city in the Central Interior warns this could harm its economy and those of other small towns along the North-South route. 

CN Rail is ending its lease on the rail line between Squamish and 100 Mile House, and Quesnel mayor Ron Paull is raising concerns. This change could affect freight service to the city and put one of its main tourism attractions at risk.

Another worry for the Quesnel mayor is the Rocky Mountaineer; he says this scenic passenger train has been stopping in Quesnel for 20 years. Just this week, construction started on a new Marriott hotel that the city hopes will welcome Rocky Mountaineer passengers.

According to the MLA, Sheldon Clare Quesnel is close to major mines, and the rail line is important for shipping lumber, wood products, and minerals.

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Ron Paull says CN’s decision is not just about money. Wildfires have damaged parts of the rail, and CN says repairs have become too costly. The Canada Transportation Act requires CN to give 12 months’ notice and offer the line for sale before leaving.

The Mayor and MLA are still working to find a solution. Towns along the rail line have hired a railway consultant and hope a short-haul operator can take over before CN’s lease ends in July.

Once CN leaves, control of the line will return to BC Rail. With time running out, Quesnel’s leaders say the next few months will determine whether trains keep running or if the tracks are sold for scrap.