Rural Corridor Development Initiative
Enabling Trade
from Prairies to Port
The Rural Corridor Development Initiative is a Western Canadian project to support trade, promote Canadian exports, and spotlight opportunities in rural rail-served communities. We do this through knowledge sharing and advocacy for infrastructure optimization and strategic regional development.
Canada is currently facing unique economic and trade challenges. A prosperous future for our country requires all of us to work together to support internal and external trade, to reinforce our supply chain so that it is reliable and resilient, and to share economic opportunity across a wide range of communities and regions.
Led by the Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association, the Rural Corridor Development Initiative shares the voices and expertise of rural Canadians, strengthens Canada’s trade backbone, and reimagines the Prairies as a launch point for national prosperity.
Canada’s Trade Future
requires us to build West-North-East corridors of opportunity that include:
Short line railways,
industrial terminals,
and transloads
The First and Last Mile operators of Canada’s supply chain.
Rural development-ready
industrial sites
Sites for development, expansion, and affordable entry into Canada’s rail network.
Build Here Directory
Strategic collaboration between rail operators, rail-served rural communities, and industry
Projects and initiatives that bring growth and opportunity to many.
Contributions from rural
people and communities
Celebrating the expertise, pride, and opportunity that exist in the First and Last Miles of Canada’s Supply Chain.
By sharing the potential of our infrastructure and our communities with businesses and policymakers, RDCI transforms rural regions into engines of trade and resilience..
Our Ask
Infrastructure Funding for Short Lines:
Mileage-based funding for infrastructure maintenance projects that improve efficiency and optimize safety across the short line network.
Project-Based Funding:
Strategic investments in rural projects that move the needle on economic possibility and supply chain performance.
Industry Tax Credits:
Incentivize private investment in short line infrastructure improvements and new projects.
Optimize Port Performance:
Functional ports and marine routes, including the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay, create reliability and possibility for Canadian businesses.
Our
Stakeholders
Short Line Rail
Operators
Short Line Railways providing flexible and reliable rail service to new and expanding customers.
Rural
Communities
Seeking new business development, jobs, and strategic partners for long-term prosperity.
Industry &
Shippers
Exploring new locations and reliable, cost-effective freight options.
Governments &
Policymakers
Wanting proven partners, regional growth, and a reliable and resilient supply chain.
80% of exports from the Port of Vancouver originate in AB, SK, and MB.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen in a 2023 article from the Red Deer Advocate.
Our Approach
We connect the dots between rural insight and national interest.
- Map rail-served regional corridors and spotlight growth opportunities
- Foster relationships among regional stakeholders
- Promote development sites and infrastructure priorities
- Tell stories that educate and inspire
- Advocate for effective policies, investment, and supply chain strategies
Rural areas account for 23.1% of Canada’s GDP, demonstrating their productivity and contribution to the national economy.
Statistics Canada “Mapping the importance of urban and rural economies in Canada.
Our Values
Transparency
Honest, grounded knowledge sharing from the Prairies to Parliament.
Fairness
A stronger voice for rural people, places, and priorities.
Optimism
A belief in what’s possible — and in each other.
1
Sign up for updates, funding announcements, and case studies from the First and Last Mile of Canada’s Supply Chain.
Join the Mailing List
2
Feature your short line served community or facility.
Submit
3
Join The Movement
We are looking for partners and advocates to help us improve Canada’s Supply Chain.