CN is not relocating its crew change terminal out of Jasper after all.

The company has reconsidered its plans and is not proceeding at this time with the relocation to Hinton, it has announced.

“After further consideration, we have decided to not proceed at this time with the relocation of crew changes from Jasper to Hinton,” said a memo to employees from Brad Butterwick, CN’s Vice President of  Transportation in CN’s Western Region, on Monday, December 22.

“CN will continue to focus on improving service performance on the existing extended run between Edmonton and Jasper, and will work with your Union on how to achieve this outcome.”

Butterwick’s memo recognized last year’s communication, which announced the impending relocation, “may have raised questions.”

On September 16, 2024, the company said it would be pulling out of Jasper, citing operational efficiencies to improve network fluidity between Edmonton and Blue River/McBride as the reason for the change. The plans were to move the crew change to east of Hinton, at Dalehurst.

But now the company is abandoning those plans.

A CN employee the Jasper Local talked to called the news “a Christmas miracle for us.”

“But for some [employees], they already moved to Hinton or Edson in anticipation,” the employee, whose identify the Jasper Local agreed to protect, said.

In his memo, Butterwick said employees need to know that Crew changes will continue to occur in Jasper; There are no changes to current reporting locations or operating assignments; and The previously referenced earliest date of September 1, 2025 is no longer applicable.

“We recognize that earlier communications may have raised questions, and we appreciate your continued professionalism and focus on safety as we continue operations under the current model,” Butterwick wrote.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com