Troubled northern Manitoba rail line could get more help for repairs

CHURCHILL, Man. – The Manitoba government is hinting it’s open to offering more help to a troubled rail line that carries goods and people to the northern town of Churchill.

Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton says he’s willing to sit down with the owners, Omnitrax Canada, as well as with the federal government if a request is made.

Freight service along the 270-kilometre final stretch of track between Gillam and Churchill has been suspended since Friday due to problems caused by permafrost.

That follows a derailment in early June that has halted passenger service.

The federal and provincial governments announced $40 million in 2007 to help Omnitrax repair and upgrade the track over five years.

Omnitrax says it has spent more than anticipated of its own money on track maintenance, and has faced a rough winter and spring this year due to the weather.