BC Wildfire Rail Service Delay

We would like to update you on the current rail service operation in Western Canada, which have been halted due to the wildfires in the Lytton, BC area.

All rail service northbound and eastbound from Vancouver, as well as traffic inbound to Vancouver from east/north of Kamloops was affected by this situation. Currently, there are many trains waiting to arrive at the port. Both CN and CP Rail are working closely with Transport Canada and onsite inspectors to resume safe rail operations.

As of this morning, CP’s mainline outage in British Columbia near Lytton is now cleared. However, they have advised that the backlog is significant, and that customers should expect delays of 72 to 96 hours from start up.

As for CN, their team are actively working with all stakeholders in Lytton, BC. They have been able to assess the damage but have not yet been granted access to the land to start making repairs. Their crews are on standby and are actively preparing for when access is authorized.

The port of Vancouver is also working closely with its container terminal operators, railways, and government to develop a recovery plan. These rail impacts will affect terminal operations, and vessel delays and heightened anchorage demand are expected.

Please note that service from Prince Rupert is not affected.