Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
Williston Rail Terminal, operated by CN Rail, anchors the region’s rail logistics with a modern classification yard, bulk transload facilities, and direct connections to the Fort St. John industrial corridor
Integrated intermodal and bulk transfer facilities enable seamless movement of petroleum, forestry, and agricultural products between truck and rail, supporting regional supply chains and export markets
Market Size and Economic Impact
Williston’s rail infrastructure handles over 8 million tonnes of freight annually, generating more than $1.2 billion in economic activity and supporting 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, ranking among northern BC’s top three rail hubs
Competitive Landscape
- CN Rail: Williston Yard serves as a major classification and transload point for Peace River resource traffic
- CPKC: Interchange agreements enable access to southern BC and U.S. Midwest markets via Prince George connections
- Regional Logistics: Local operators provide last-mile trucking, warehousing, and value-added transloading services
Opportunities
- LNG Export Growth: New terminals and pipelines drive increased demand for outbound rail shipments of construction materials
- Forestry Recovery: Rebounding lumber and pulp markets create new opportunities for bulk rail exports
- Agricultural Expansion: Grain and oilseed production growth fuels higher outbound carload volumes and intermodal demand
Challenges
- Weather Exposure: Harsh winters and spring thaw cycles can disrupt yard operations and mainline schedules
- Capacity Bottlenecks: Surging resource shipments strain yard track space and locomotive availability
- Labour Availability: Skilled rail workforce shortages impact terminal throughput and service reliability
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Bulk Commodities: Petroleum, lumber, and grain dominate outbound carload volumes and seasonal peaks
- Intermodal Growth: Containerized agricultural and industrial products see steady year-over-year increases
- Export Corridors: New Asia-Pacific and U.S. Midwest trade lanes drive diversification of outbound shipments
Future Outlook
- Terminal Expansion: Planned yard track additions and new transload facilities to accommodate rising bulk volumes
- Digital Modernization: Implementation of yard automation and real-time cargo tracking systems
- Green Logistics: Investments in low-emission locomotives and energy-efficient terminal operations
Recommendations
- Yard Modernization: Expand classification tracks and locomotive servicing to boost throughput and reliability
- Technology Integration: Deploy advanced scheduling and cargo visibility tools for shippers and carriers
- Workforce Development: Partner with local colleges to train and retain skilled rail operations personnel
Williston, BC
Williston connects northern BC’s resource corridor to national and international markets, linking Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and the Peace Region to CN’s transcontinental rail network and major export ports
Strategically located at the intersection of CN’s Peace River Subdivision and the Alaska Highway corridor, Williston provides direct rail access to Prince Rupert, Vancouver, and U.S. Midwest gateways
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Rail Origins: Williston’s rail yard was established in the 1950s to serve the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Peace River hydro projects
Facilities & Services
Resource Gateway: The region’s vast petroleum, forestry, and grain sectors drive over 8 million tonnes of annual rail traffic
Location Benefits
Strategic Location: Situated near the confluence of the Peace and Parsnip Rivers, Williston links road, rail, and pipeline corridors
Additional Information
Innovation Partnerships: Collaboration with Northern Lights College supports workforce training and logistics technology adoption