After a three-year layoff, the old Canadian Pacific (CP) rail line between Kimberley and Cranbrook will be back in service.

The City of Cranbrook, along with the City of Kimberley and CP, announced that the environmental assessment has been completed and work to transform the rail line into a recreational trail will begin shortly.

“This trail will be a showcase for the entire area and I am proud of the collaboration between CP, Kimberley and Cranbrook,” said Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak in a press release. “The trail will be more than simply a green transportation alternative between our two communities. It will be a legacy for residents and visitors alike, enabling people to enjoy the splendour of this land while at the same time supporting more active lifestyles and healthy communities.”

In 2007, CP committed to removing the tracks, ties and all associated soils through a memorandum of understanding. CP will collect and recycle tracks and ties, before the rail bed and soils are transfered to an approved landfill at Teck Cominco’s former Sullivan Mine under a BC Ministry of Environment permit. CP will then donate the trail-ready- right-of-way to both communities for the development of an accessible recreation and commuter trail.

“I am pleased that this project is proceeding and that we can have a completed trail by as early as the fall,” said Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie. “I look forward to working with Mayor Manjak and his council on an initiative that supports the reduction of Green House Gas emissions by connecting our communities.”

CP has tendered the project and hopes to have a contractor on-site by the beginning of June. In preparation of the material removal, CP project consultants are expected to begin surveying the area as early as this week. Local residents can expect to see crews working on various sections throughout the summer and excavation of the area is expected to be completed by the end of Fall.