The City of Saskatoon is set to buy a trio of unused rail lines from Canadian National (CN).
The spur lines are located in the North Downtown and Kelsey-Woodlawn areas. In total, the city would be buying 22.91 acres for $2.235 million.
The land is split between three parcels. The largest runs from 24th Street to 33rd Street. Another covers the CN spur line running along Warman Road with the third one running along Quebec Avenue.
A city report notes that the land could be used for anything from transit or pedestrian/cycling corridors to infill development.
The same report states that the land is being sold ‘as-is.’ Other than a small section of the Warman road line, CN won’t be removing any tracks – that would have to be dealt with by anyone potentially building on the land. CN also wouldn’t cover any potential environmental screening or cleanup.
Existing leases for parking, storage and billboards on the land would generate just over $50,000-a-year.
City to purchase unused rail lines
By CJME News
Aug 21, 2015 | 4:02 PM