RAILYARD OPERATIONS
Canadian National Railway (CN) is a leading North American Class I freight railway, providing critical transportation links across Canada and into the United States, and serving as a backbone for the movement of goods in the region.
The CN railyard in Vaughan, Ontario, known as MacMillan Yard, is owned and operated by CN and serves as the primary classification yard for the Greater Toronto Area. Strategically located in Vaughan, it functions as a major hub for sorting, assembling, and dispatching freight trains, supporting both regional and national rail operations and connecting to key industrial and commercial zones.
MAJOR CLASSIFICATION YARDS
MacMillan Yard is a major classification facility with both hump and flat switching capabilities, designed to efficiently process and reclassify a high volume of railcars for various destinations.
INTERMODAL TERMINALS
The yard includes intermodal facilities capable of handling containerized freight, utilizing modern cranes and lift equipment to transfer containers between railcars and trucks, supporting efficient multimodal logistics.
MAJOR RAILYARD FACILITIES
Receiving operations involve the systematic arrival and inspection of inbound trains, with safety and mechanical checks performed to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
Classification operations use both hump and flat switching to sort railcars by destination, employing multiple tracks and advanced switching systems to optimize train assembly and departure schedules.
SPECIALIZED FACILITIES
Automotive Facilities: NOT_APPLICABLE
Maintenance facilities at the yard provide locomotive and railcar repair, including routine servicing, inspections, and minor repairs to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT
Yard management and tracking systems utilize computerized platforms for real-time monitoring of railcar locations, inventory, and workflow, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.
Safety and communication systems include centralized control towers, radio communications, and automated warning devices to support safe yard movements and emergency response coordination.
Gate operations are managed through secure entry and exit points, with electronic processing systems for documentation, vehicle identification, and access control to streamline truck and container flow.
Storage and stacking operations use designated tracks and paved areas for temporary holding of railcars and containers, with organized stacking to maximize space utilization and facilitate rapid retrieval.
OPERATIONAL METRICS
Daily processing volume is substantial, with the yard handling a high throughput of railcars and containers, reflecting its role as a key freight gateway for the Toronto region.
Recent infrastructure investments have focused on upgrading track layouts, modernizing equipment, and enhancing terminal facilities to improve capacity, efficiency, and safety.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Inspection services are conducted in accordance with FRA and Transport Canada regulations, with dedicated teams performing regular mechanical and safety inspections on all rolling stock.
Transloading facilities at the CargoFlo terminal enable the transfer of bulk commodities, such as plastics and chemicals, between railcars and tanker trucks, supporting flexible supply chain solutions.
SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
Safety protocols include comprehensive employee training, strict adherence to regulatory standards, and deployment of advanced safety technologies to minimize risks and ensure a secure working environment.
Environmental stewardship initiatives involve programs to reduce emissions, manage stormwater, and promote energy efficiency, reflecting CN’s commitment to sustainable operations.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
