CN operates 18,600 route-miles of track. Our focus is efficiency, running an efficient railroad and constantly evaluating our infrastructure. In line with our emphasis on efficiency, we interrupt railway service on a line that is no longer profitable to operate.

Our network plan encompasses our tracks across Canada

Our network plan, which consists of a comprehensive list of all CN railway lines in Canada, indicates CN's intention for each portion of track within the next three years: retain (continue the operation of the line) or discontinue (total interruption of railway activity on the line).

This option applies to lines whose potential for profitability is very weak. The law obliges railways, however, to offer this line to private interests for a period of at least 60 days for the purpose of continuing railway operations. If no interest is shown, or no agreement is concluded within six months, or if the transfer is not completed, the Company must offer to transfer to the relevant governments, transit authorities and municipal administrations all of its interest in the line in question for not more than its net salvage value.

Our plan updates keep you in the loop

To keep you in the loop, this three-year plan is updated on an on-going basis. Our last update (below) was December 18, 2023.

Three-Year Rail Network Plan (Canada) (PDF)

This plan is available from the following offices:

Under the Canada Transportation Act, CN is required to follow specific steps in order to discontinue railway lines. CN has prepared the report below which sets out its compliance with the steps for discontinuance of railway lines and the date it has commenced and completed each step.

Three-Year Rail Network Plan – Progress Report (PDF)

Discontinuance, which is the interruption of railway service on a line that is no longer profitable to operate, is regulated by the Canada Transportation Act in Canada and the Surface Transportation Board in the United States.

Since 1992, CN has discontinued operations on several thousand miles of track.

What does discontinuance entail?

• The rail and ties are removed immediately after discontinuance
• Culverts, bridges and ballast rail bed are left in place
• In certain cases, on-going environmental management of the rail bed* and culverts may be required.

Rail beds do not generally pose any environmental risk, although there has been heightened public concern over slag ballast rail beds. Studies commissioned by Environment Canada, however, have demonstrated that the heightened concern may be unwarranted.

Giving old lines new life

Of course, discontinued rail lines may still have a purpose for the general public. That’s why CN makes every effort to identify secondary uses for those corridors

• Some of the former rail lines are now being used for a variety of recreational activities, including forming sections of the Trans Canada Trail.
• In other instances, it may be more suitable to use the former rail lines as public transportation corridors.

Secondary Uses for Discontinued Rail Lines

Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway, Algonquin Park, Ontario

Rail line construction in Algonquin Park, Ontario, dates back to 1896 when the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway provided the first easy access to the area. The railway was taken over by the Canada Atlantic Railway in 1899 and then subsequently sold to the Grand Trunk Railway in 1905. During this time, the railways through Algonquin Park provided access to the settlements that supported the growing logging and tourist activities; activities that still exist in the park today.

Service on most of these rail lines ended in the 1950s. Presently, many of the trails in the park make use of the former railway lines, including the Old Railway Bike Trail, a 10 km family bicycle trail that follows the discontinued bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway. The trail includes several interpretive panels along the route, which help to explain the unique history of the park.

Montmagny Subdivision, Quebec

In 1996, rail operations between mile 111.35 to mile 119.12 of the Montmagny subdivision were discontinued. In December 1999 the rail line was sold to the Québec Ministry of Transport and then subsequently transferred under lease to the City of Lévis. The City of Lévis was able to beneficially re-use the CN rail line to form the Parcours des Anses, a 15 km paved bicycle path along the St-Lawrence river and which also served to expand the Route Verte bicycle circuit, a program administered by the Quebec Ministry of Transport.

Discontinuance, which is the interruption of railway service on a line that is no longer profitable to operate, is regulated by the Canada Transportation Act in Canada and the Surface Transportation Board in the United States.

Since 1992, CN has discontinued operations on several thousand miles of track.

What does discontinuance entail?

• The rail and ties are removed immediately after discontinuance
• Culverts, bridges and ballast rail bed are left in place
• In certain cases, on-going environmental management of the rail bed* and culverts may be required.

Rail beds do not generally pose any environmental risk, although there has been heightened public concern over slag ballast rail beds. Studies commissioned by Environment Canada, however, have demonstrated that the heightened concern may be unwarranted.

 List Of Metropolitan Sidings and Spurs to be Dismantled Revised December 18, 2023.

Giving old lines new life

Of course, discontinued rail lines may still have a purpose for the general public. That’s why CN makes every effort to identify secondary uses for those corridors

• Some of the former rail lines are now being used for a variety of recreational activities, including forming sections of the Trans Canada Trail.
• In other instances, it may be more suitable to use the former rail lines as public transportation corridors.

For more details, read more about secondary uses.