CN opens new auto-hauling compound

TORONTO — At least one giant transport provider still has faith in southern Ontario’s beleaguered auto sector.

CN Rail today cut the ribbon on its new $14-million Toronto Automotive Compound at MacMillan yard north of Toronto.

The new facility’s track layout will accommodate the unloading of 60 auto-carrying rail cars at once, compared with 27 unloading spots at the former compound at Mac Yard, and will have room to park up to 4,500 vehicles. A planned phase two expansion of the compound will provide parking for 6,000 cars or trucks.

"Our Toronto Automotive Compound is a key facility in our vehicle distribution network in Ontario, the largest auto market in Canada," says James Foote, executive vice-president, Sales and Marketing for CN.

He said the new state-of-the-art facility will help CN increase efficiency of vehicle transportation, accommodate more traffic, improve customer service, and better utilize our valuable real estate assets at MacMillan Yard, the largest rail classification terminal on CN’s network.

The Toronto auto compound is one of 17 vehicle distribution facilities operated by Autoport Ltd. in Canada and the United States. A member of the CN WorldWide North America family of non-rail companies, Autoport extends CN’s transportation reach beyond its rail network.