Canadian Pacific | Track Extension, Cascadia Terminal

August 27, 2019

Project status

Permit issued

On December 17, 2019, a project permit was issued to Canadian Pacific (CP) to expand a rail embankment, including grading works and erosion protection, and habitat development on federal lands and waters managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The project would allow for the construction of an extended third track east of the Cascadia Terminal, in Burnaby.

The project was approved subject to 62 permit conditions which CP must meet to ensure the project does not result in significant adverse environmental effects.

About the project

CP is proposing to extend their existing rail track east of the Cascadia Terminal along the south shore of Burrard Inlet in Burnaby, just east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. The project would increase the length of the existing third track by approximately 300 metres. Freight volumes in and out of the Terminal have resulted in a shortage of track capacity during peak shipping season. The purpose of the proposed extension is to improve overall mainline and switching operations at the Terminal, the increased track length will also add capacity for additional grain product unloading. All rail infrastructure is to be located within the CP right-of-way with a portion of the rail embankment, grading works and shoreline protection within the port authority’s jurisdiction.

The proposed track extension will involve widening of the existing CP rail embankment, including placement of clean, engineered, fill material extending into Burrard Inlet resulting in permanent alteration and some permanent loss of intertidal fish habitat in the marine environment. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has determined that a Section 35(2) Fisheries Act Authorization is required. CP has developed a habitat offsetting plan that includes the construction of fish habitat offsetting features within the intertidal and subtidal marine environment.

Project activities and components include:

Works to establish access, equipment and material laydown areas, including:
- vegetation clearance;
- site mobilization;
- construction of a temporary work pad (approximately 1,874 m²) located partially within the subtidal zone, using 6,800 m³ of structural fill;
Dredging to prepare the seabed for fill placement. Dredgeate will be transported to and disposed of at an approved off-site facility;
Installation of approximately 9,620m³ of structural fill along the construction corridor, to support rail sidings;
Construction of new track grade and installation of the new track and rail infrastructure following fill placement;
Installation of approximately 3,057 m³ of rip rap as a 2:1 slope;
Removal of temporary work pad; and
Construction of habitat offsetting, including shallow rock reefs.

If approved, construction is anticipated to take up to 4 months to complete and will be conducted during the port authority’s regular hours of construction between Monday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Resources

Contact information

To learn more about Canadian Pacific’s project and construction activities, please contact Chris Dane by email or by phone at 604.944.5829.

For questions regarding the Project and Environmental Review process, please contact us by email or by phone at 604.665.9047.