By Keith Powell
Canadian Pacific Now CPKC
In case you haven’t noticed the new CPKC sign has recently gone up at the Cranbrook railyard administration centre. CP is one of the East Kootenay’s largest employers.
Canadian Pacific (“CP”) and Kansas City Southern (“KCS”) recently announced that the two companies have combined to create Canadian Pacific Kansas City (“CPKC”), as authorized by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s March 15, 2023 final decision, creating the first single-line railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
“We celebrate this historic combination creating a truly unique single-line rail network that begins a new chapter of railroad history in North America,” said CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. “This unmatched CPKC network will give our customers new options and expanded reach to more markets as we provide reliable rail service, take trucks off public roads and raise the bar on rail safety by expanding CP’s industry-leading safety practices.”
Cranbrook:Kemlee Equipment Opens New Branch
Creston’s Kemlee Equipment has opened a new branch in Cranbrook with Rod McLean as branch and territory manager. Kemlee Equipment owned and operated by Darrell Kemle and is the official Kubota tractor dealership for the East and West Kootenay.
“We’re just getting up and running at this location,” said Rod McLean. “We are adding more Kubota inventory every week. Our lot will be a sea of orange pretty soon. Cranbrook and area customers will have a great selection of tractors and accessories to choose from.”
Kemlee Equipment’s Creston dealership is located on Northwest Boulevard and their new Cranbrook dealership is on the south end of town at 416 Van Horne Street.
Cranbrook: Closet 31 Consignment Opens
Welcome to Closet 31. Andrea Gramm (R) and her daughter Lauren (L) have partnered to open an upscale consignment clothing boutique in downtown Cranbrook. Heather Begin is their sales associate.
“Clothing and fashion have always been my passion. When this opportunity came up to purchase Pippins I knew it was my time! This well established ladies clothing consignment business has been in Cranbrook for 27 years. Dolly Pinchak had a fantastic customer base,” said Andrea Gramm. “My family supported me one hundred percent during this process, and so much of it (store renovations) we were able to do ourselves.”
Customers are invited to stop by to browse their wide selection of vintage and contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. You will find Closet 31 at 31 – 10th Avenue South in Cranbrook. Follow them on social media @closet31boutique
Sparwood: Hydrogen Locomotives To Haul Elk Valley Coal
Teck has announced a unique pilot with railway operator CPKC that will integrate zero-emission hydrogen locomotives into their steelmaking coal supply chain.
“It’s one way we’re working to achieve net zero across our business while delivering resources required for a low-carbon future,” Teck stated in a media release.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited and Teck Resources Limited also recently announced that the two companies have entered into a long-term rail agreement for the transportation of steelmaking coal from Teck’s four operations in southeastern B.C. The agreement builds on existing services in place and runs until the end of 2026.
CPKC and Teck intend to collaboratively develop a pilot program that will see the integrated use of CPKC’s hydrogen locomotives into Teck’s steelmaking coal supply chain. It is anticipated that this effort will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with testing commencing in early 2024.
