CN Rail has filed a legal complaint to push Parks Canada into approving a flood barrier in Jasper National Park, warning that delays could trigger disastrous consequences for national freight movement. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

CN Rail has filed a legal complaint to push Parks Canada into approving a flood barrier in Jasper National Park, warning that delays could trigger disastrous consequences for national freight movement
Photo: The Canadian Press

The company says the Snake Indian River near its main line could suddenly shift course and destroy critical rail infrastructure. CN Rail argues that without immediate action, a catastrophic avulsion could derail trains and halt cross-country operations.

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CN Rail Proposes Flood Barrier to Prevent Disaster

Since 2017, CN Rail has developed long-term solutions to prevent future flooding. The company submitted multiple proposals, including a berm using either imported gravel or material dredged from the river itself.

Using dredged material, CN claims, would minimize ecological impact by reducing berm size and deepening the river channel. This solution would also speed up construction and reduce transport costs.

However, Parks Canada rejected this plan, citing regulations protecting wilderness areas from in-park material extraction. Officials did not approve any environmental review despite previous statements supporting berm construction.

CN Rail Faces Costly Delays Amid Ongoing Risk

In its court application, CN Rail said importing gravel would require 2,000 truckloads and over 1,200 rail cars—taking two years under best-case scenarios. Transporting material solely by truck would demand 4,000 trips over 200 days.

The company emphasized that this main line is vital to Canada’s economy, linking West Coast ports with inland distribution hubs. In 2016, winter ice jams forced emergency measures when the river overtopped its banks.

Despite submitting a new plan in January 2024, CN says Parks Canada continues to shift environmental review requirements. The agency has not clarified what CN needs to proceed with the assessment.

Now, CN Rail is seeking a court order to compel the agency to start the process. The company maintains that the river poses an imminent threat and any delay could result in costly and dangerous consequences.

Source: The Canadian Press

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