Company History

Cando Contracting Ltd. began operations in 1978 in Brandon, Manitoba. In our early years, our core capabilities included rail line abandonment work, relay steel and tie sales and distribution and industrial track installation and maintenance.

In the early 90’s Cando started it’s diversification strategy and developed a line of specialized hi-rail trucks along with completing large CWR pick-up programs for the Class I Railways. Also during the 90’s Cando entered the field of industrial rail maintenance and switching with such well known companies like Ipsco, Simplot, Nexen, Formet and Invista. At this time Cando also started to turn it’s attention to the shortline railway industry. The purchase of our 12,000 sq. ft. shop and office complex in 1984 helped to permanently put down roots in the Brandon business community.

In 1998, Cando Contracting Ltd. began operations of the Barrie-Collingwood Railway. The Barrie-Collingwood Railway is a 46 mile shortline running between the town of Collingwood, ON and the city of Barrie, ON. The City of Barrie and the Town of Collingwood own the trackage and property. Cando has worked closely with the municipal, shipper, CN and CP representatives to structure this partnership and ensure the viability of continued direct rail service to the Barrie and Collingwood areas.

Central Manitoba Railway Inc. (CEMR) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cando Contracting Ltd. It was created in 1999 for the operation of the former CN Pine Falls and Carman subdivisions as a shortline railroad. The Pine Falls subdivision consists of approximately 67 miles of track running from Winnipeg, MB to Pine Falls, MB. The Carman sub runs from Winnipeg, MB to Graysville, MB and consists of approximately 50.5 miles of track. CEMR, with a current fleet of 4 locomotives is responsible for the movement of freight to and from the shippers on these two lines. CEMR employs 15 to 20 operational and maintenance employees. In 2003, CEMR added a 12,000 sq. ft. maintenance facility for locomotive and railcar repairs.

Athabasca Northern Railway Ltd. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Cando Contracting Ltd. and was established in October of 2000 for the operation of the former CN Lac La Biche and Waterways Subdivisions. This shortline consisted of 202 miles of mainline track from Boyle, Alberta to Lynton, Alberta The traffic generated on this line gave access to the CN North America’s rail network through interchanges in Boyle and Edmonton. Athabasca Northern Railway Ltd. was responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the line and employed 30-40 operational and maintenance employees. The Cando team was very successful in growing ANY’s carload traffic from no cars in 2000 to close to 12,000 carloads per year in 2007. With the added traffic it became apparent that the line would require a massive upgrade ($130 million) to meet future traffic demands. Faced with this type of long term investment Cando choose to sell the line back to CN in December 2007. With CN and industries support this line will become a major rail link to Alberta’s oil sand area. The majority of ANY employees have retained employment on this line and will be a big part of it’s success in the future.

In the spring of 2005, the Corporate Services division of Cando moved to it’s new location at 740 Rosser Avenue in downtown Brandon. This move will help Cando to continue it’s expansion in the rail industry across Canada and the United States.

Cando has a very successful record of growth, not only in dollars, but also in the growth of its people. Today, the Cando Team is set for the rapid changes coming about in the railroad industry and looks forward to participating in these exciting business opportunities. Cando is an employee owned company, and offers a stock incentive program for all employees. To date, over 225 employees are part owners of the company. This program has further allowed Cando to foster the personal and professional development of its employees.

Cando Contracting Ltd. is very proud of its community involvement. We are members of many Chambers of Commerce and are very involved in local charities. Cando believes in continuing this community involvement and working closely with the local business community on every project we undertake.