Community Profile:
Forestburg, Alberta
Serviced by Battle River Railway
About
Forestburg is a small village in east-central Alberta (population 807, 2021) positioned on a key grain, coal, and agriculture corridor. It is home to Battle River Railway (BRR), a farmer-owned cooperative short line serving both agricultural and industrial sectors.
Originally a CN branch line running from Camrose to Alliance, the line was purchased in 2010 by 180 farmer shareholders who formed a co-operative to preserve local rail access. Today, BRR operates 60 miles of track from its base in Forestburg, with interchange to CN at Camrose connecting rural producers and industries directly into Canada’s national trade corridor and to export ports such as Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
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Economic Impact
Volume of Rail Traffic
Each year, BRR moves approximately 800 carloads, representing significant economic value for the community. Key commodities include grain, fertilizer, fly ash, and bentonite clay.
Funding & Infrastructure Investment
In 2025, BRR was awarded C$5.7 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund to complete major infrastructure upgrades. This includes critical bridge work and the construction of 15,000 feet of new yard track to support the development of the Forestburg Industrial Park. With its active CN interchange, Forestburg is firmly linked to Canada’s export gateways on the West Coast.
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Farmer members and growing.
Community Benefits
Support for Local Producers
Local grain handling and rail access allow farmers to ship directly from Forestburg, avoiding costly hauls to distant elevators. As a co-op, BRR keeps transportation revenues circulating within the region.
Employment & Tourism
Regular freight operations provide local jobs, while BRR’s heritage and tourism rides bring additional economic activity and visitors to the community.
Western Canadian short lines operate over 3,000 kilometers of track.
Forward Outlook
Infrastructure for Growth
The Forestburg Industrial Park’s rail-connected infrastructure positions the community to attract new businesses and expand local industry.
Sustainable Local Model
BRR’s co-operative ownership ensures profits remain in the community, supporting reinvestment, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Development Potential
Recent bridge upgrades and yard expansion provide the foundation for future industries to leverage direct rail access, helping Forestburg adapt to new economic opportunities in the wake of Alberta’s coal transition.