Currently there are more than 2,000 kilometres of railway under Saskatchewan's provincial jurisdiction. This includes shortline railways moving grain, oil and wood products; industrial railways providing service to facilities; and amusement railways providing educational tours within Saskatchewan.
Shortline rail offers an important link between remote delivery sites and main rail carriers such as CN and CP Railways, who move the products to port. These rail lines operate in accordance with The Railway Act and the Provincial Railway Guides. Visit Rail Services with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways for more information regarding provincially regulated railways.
The Highway Traffic Board (HTB) issues Railroad Operating Authority Certificates (OAC) authorizing the transportation of goods and passengers by provincially regulated railways.
Any person operating a railway in Saskatchewan is required to obtain an OAC or temporary OAC from the HTB.
An Application for an OAC will Include the Following:
- A fully completed New/Renewed Railroad OAC Application.
- A certificate of insurance is not mandatory to start the application process; however, it must be filed with the HTB prior to an OAC being issued.
- Certificates must be issued by the insurer and the Highway Traffic Board must be named as the certificate holder.
For more information regarding railroad insurance requirements and other rail standards, refer to the Provincially Regulated Rail Guides and Standards.