C$100M Loan: Sturgeon Terminal Expansion – Alberta Rail

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Introduction

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has provided a C$100 million loan to Cando Rail & Terminals for the expansion of its Sturgeon Terminal in Alberta, which is expected to add up to 3,700 railcar storage and staging spaces. The project, announced on September 12, 2025, aims to enhance the supply chain capacity for industrial production centers in Western Canada.

Main Content

Project Funding and Scope

The CIB’s C$100 million loan, equivalent to $72.3 million, will finance the development of a new Sturgeon West Terminal. The Sturgeon Terminal currently operates at full capacity. The new terminal will offer up to 3,700 additional railcar storage and staging spaces. Construction is ongoing, with operations slated to begin in late 2026.

Terminal Operations and Services

The Sturgeon Terminal serves as a multi-purpose rail hub located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. It provides services such as storage, staging, haulage, and transloading for Canadian goods. The terminal’s location along the CN Railway network supports rail infrastructure for major industrial producers in Canada. The expansion aims to improve the movement of goods to ports like Prince Rupert and Vancouver.

Economic Impact and Employment

Cando anticipates the new terminal will create approximately 50 full-time jobs, adding to the existing 60 jobs. The project is projected to contribute an estimated C$22.3 million annually to the regional GDP.

Strategic Partnerships and Investments

In 2022, TorQuest Partners and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) acquired a 100% equity holding in Cando Rail & Terminal. In May, CN announced a C$2.1 billion ($1.51 billion) investment in rail infrastructure across Canada, focusing on track maintenance and capacity improvements.

Conclusion

The CIB’s loan to Cando Rail & Terminals will expand the Sturgeon Terminal, increasing rail capacity and enhancing supply chain capabilities for industrial producers in Western Canada. The project is expected to create jobs and contribute to regional economic growth, while improving access to key ports.

Company Summary

Cando Rail & Terminals: A rail and terminal operator offering storage, staging, haulage, and transloading services. The company is expanding its Sturgeon Terminal with funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB): A financial institution providing loans for infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Sturgeon Terminal.

CN: A railway network investing in infrastructure improvements, including track maintenance and capacity enhancements.

Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo): An investment firm that, along with TorQuest Partners, acquired Cando Rail & Terminal in 2022.

TorQuest Partners: An investment firm that, along with Alberta Investment Management Corporation, acquired Cando Rail & Terminal in 2022.

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