CN Rail relocating Jasper operations 100 kilometres away to Hinton

Canadian National Railway Co. says it plans to relocate its operations in Jasper to near Hinton, Alta., about 100 kilometres away.

The company says it aims to minimize train stops between Edmonton and Blue River, B.C., which sits across the Rockies.

The union representing CN Rail workers is criticizing the relocation, slated to take effect in September 2025 and affect about 200 workers, though no layoffs are expected.

Get daily National news

Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, says the move marks a “devastating blow” to a community still reeling from a July wildfire that displaced many of its 4,800 residents and destroyed a third of the town.

A union spokesman noted that most residents or their spouses must work in town to qualify to live there under Jasper National Park’s residency rules. He says the company has applied for an exception for the workers.

CN spokeswoman Ashley Michnowski says the railway is committed to supporting employees through the transition and keeping them updated.

— More to come…