Battle River Railway News Release - January 11, 2010
The Battle River Railway is a recently formed New Generation Co-op that was set up to purchase the short line from Highway 56 east of Camrose to Alliance, AB. It grew out of an association called the Battle River Producer Car Group which for the past six years has been providing a producer car loading service along the branch line from Camrose to Alliance. In the crop year 2008-09 the Battle River Producer Car Group loaded 650 cars at the six sidings along the line. In the fall of 2008 however, CN announced that it would no longer provide rail service to the group. At that point the group formed a new generation co-op and offered to purchase the line.
President and spokesman Ken Eshpeter stated that share sales are going extremely well. To date the Co-op has generated $2.8 million in share sales, which is well on its way to its total target of $4.85 million. “We feel that we can reach $3.5 million in share sales with the remainder coming from loan proceeds,” Eshpeter stated. The Co-op was recently granted a six-week extension by CN to allow it more time to canvass the entire community.
The Board of Directors of Battle River Railway has been extremely pleased with the general community support displayed for the project. “When you think about it,” says Eshpepter, “the purchase of this branch line will accomplish many things. It will provide a viable marketing alternative for farmers for local grain. It will be the start of a resurgence in the economic viability of the 4 counties and 6 towns served by the line, and the start of a vibrant tourism service because of the picturesque landscapes and unique shops, parks and industries along the line.”
There is still plenty of time to “get on board, so to speak,” says Eshpeter. “We have shares that suit everyone’s financial needs and capabilities.” The shares will be available for purchase till the end of February. After February, the opportunity to purchase more shares will not occur for at least a year and possibly more. Eshpeter emphasizes that now is the time for the community to show their support for the line. “If you are at all thinking about investing in the line, do so now and help us make the train project a reality. Look us up at battleriverrailway.ca or just phone Matt Enright at 780-678-0327.”
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For more information, contact Ken Eshpeter 780-374-2403.