Manitoba taps former federal cabinet minister to lead Winnipeg rail relocation study

Lloyd Axworthy, former MP, speaks at a memorial service in Winnipeg, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

By The Canadian Press

Posted October 15, 2024 12:37 pm.

The Manitoba government has tapped a former federal cabinet minister to lead a study into relocating rail lines in Winnipeg.

Premier Wab Kinew announced Lloyd Axworthy’s appointment following the province’s commitment to provide $200,000 for the study.

Proponents of rail relocation say it would increase safety and free up land for housing developments.

Axworthy says he hopes the study will also outline a plan to centre Manitoba’s capital as a major transportation hub.

The idea of moving rail lines has been brought up since the 1960s, and price estimates have pegged the cost well upwards of $1 billion.

Kinew says the province will have to consider the overall cost and whether the project could be done incrementally.

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