Jasper Mayor Warns of Devastation from CN Rail Relocation

CN Rail's plan to move operations to Hinton in 2025 will impact jobs and community recovery efforts post-wildfire.

Overview

CN Rail announced it will transfer operations from Jasper to Hinton, Alberta, by September 2025, affecting approximately 200 workers.
Mayor Richard Ireland expressed deep disappointment, highlighting the move's detrimental impact on local jobs and community identity.
The announcement comes as Jasper is still recovering from a July wildfire that destroyed one-third of the town's homes and businesses, displacing 2,000 residents.
Union representatives criticized CN Rail's decision as 'cruel,' emphasizing the importance of the rail industry to Jasper's economy, second only to tourism.
Recent federal and provincial aid, including nearly $150 million for disaster recovery, aims to help Jasper rebuild and regain control over local development.