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Cranbrook, BC (October 5, 2026) – A long-standing local eyesore has officially been cleared up, with seven rail cars now removed from City property behind the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. The successful removal of the rail cars follows years of steady work by City staff and project partners and marks an important step toward a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming site.

In an administration update to Council at their regular meeting on Monday night, staff noted that the rail cars were first placed on the property in 2014 without the City’s permission. As the cars deteriorated, they became easier to enter and created ongoing safety, nuisance, and property concerns. The site led to repeated complaints involving people entering and staying in the cars, drug use, fires, vandalism, trespassing, stolen power, and the removal of metal parts.

These issues affected the appearance of the area and the experience of resort guests and staff. They also created noise, safety concerns, and property damage, while requiring frequent visits and follow-up from City Bylaw Services and the RCMP. 

“We are very pleased to see the long-standing rail cars removed from behind the hotel. For many years they not only impacted the aesthetics of the area, but they also presented ongoing challenges,” says Crystal Scott, General Manager of the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. “This cleanup represents a positive step forward for the city of Cranbrook, creating a more attractive and safe environment for visitors and residents alike."

For roughly 12 years, City staff worked to find a lasting solution. That work included regular site inspections and monitoring, documenting concerns, coordinating across City departments, and responding to complaints as they came in. Staff also held discussions with both past and current owners, developed compliance agreements, issued formal notices, and worked with legal support when needed.

The City continued to seek voluntary removal before taking enforcement action. When the issue remained unresolved, Council approved a Remedial Action Requirement on May 25, 2026, giving the current owner 60 days to remove the rail cars. The owner then hired GST Logistics to complete the work at the owner’s expense.

“Removing the rail cars was not a simple job. Each car had to be weighed on site so the correct transportation permits could be secured, and the proper equipment could be arranged. Because the cars were located next to an active rail line, the work also had to be carefully planned and scheduled with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to keep the site and rail operations safe,” says Amanda Peters, Manager of Police Support Services and Bylaw.

Once the required permits, equipment and scheduling were in place, the cars were moved one at a time by truck. The full removal took place over four weeks and required continued coordination among the owner, contractor, railway, and other project partners.

With the rail cars gone, the area is safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for residents, resort guests, and staff. Removing the cars also addresses a source of repeated complaints and reduces the need for ongoing police and bylaw responses, allowing those resources to be directed to other community priorities.