This is a detailed look at the CP Keewatin subdivision, mile by mile. Detail items like bridges, crossings and so forth will be discussed, as well as historical notes along the line.
This format is inspired by the Railway Mileposts series of books by Roger Burrows, who approved my use of the format.
Keewatin Subdivision History
This railway line was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as part of the first transcontinental line in Canada.
More than a century later, the Keewatin subdivision is still a fundamental part of the Canadian Pacific rail network.
Trains on the Keewatin Subdivision
more later
Mile 0.0 – Kenora
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Mile 0.2 – Kenora West
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Mile 2.5 – Kenora Forest Products
There was a long, curving connection to Kenora Forest Products at mile 2.5. This sawmill has changed hands several times in the past few decades, to Prendiville Industries in 1994 and then to GreenFirst Forest in late 2020. GreenFirst intends to relocate the mill to a different location within the Kenora area with the support of the Ontario government.
Mile 3.5 – Keewatin
Mile 6.9 – Laclu
The 6.9 miles of double track from Kenora ends at Laclu.
Mile 7.x – Highway Overpass
Highway 17A, the Kenora bypass, crosses over the Keewatin subdivision around mile 7.3 or so. Route 641, the road to Minaki, parallels the track for a short distance here.
Mile 20.4 – Lowther
There is a 17,350 foot signalled siding at Lowther.
Mile 31.1 – Ingolf
The town of Ingolf, Ontario is a popular boating / camping area today. Situated on Longpine Lake, it features an inn, a convenience / liquor store and numerous cottages. It is at the eastern end of highway 312 and is only reachable by road from Manitoba.
Ingolf is the beginning of double track, from here to Cross Lake 4.8 miles to the west. Ingolf also has a back track.
Mile 34.0 – Manitoba/Ontario Border
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The Tunnel
Mile 35.9 – Cross Lake
Cross Lake is the western end of a 4.8 mile stretch double track that starts in Ingolf.
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Mile 41.8 – Bear Lake
There is a pedestrian crossing around mile 41.8 to the Bear Lake hiking trail.
Mile 45.6 – Telford
Telford has a 12,530 foot signalled siding.
Mile 52.1 – Rennie
Rennie has a short back track.
Mile 54.8 – CN Crossover
The CN Redditt subdivision crosses over the CP Keewatin subdivision at mile 54.8 (CP) / mile 183.4 (CN).
Mile 60.1 – Culver
Culver has a 15,700 foot signalled siding.
Mile 75.1 – Shelley
There is a 15,120 foot signalled siding at Shelley.
Mile 86.1 – Julius
Julius is the start of a 6.1 mile segment of double track (to Lydiatt).
Mile 87.9 – Molson
The CP Lac du Bonnet subdivision branches off at Molson. This connects to the Lake Line Railroad, which runs to Beasejour.
Mile 90.1 – Molson West
Mile 92.2 – Lydiatt
Lydiatt is the end of a 6.1 mile segment of double track (from Julius).
Mile 105.0 – Hazelridge
The Keewatin subdivision is double tracked from Hazelridge into Winnipeg.
Mile 118.7 – Manson
Mile 119.2 – Norcran
Mile 124.5 – Whittier
Mile 124.8 – End of main tracks
Mile 125.7 – Winnipeg
Back to CP Keewatin subdivision