Seven rail cars have been removed from city-owned property behind the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort after years of safety and nuisance concerns.
The removal followed years of work by Cranbrook City staff and project partners to address conditions at the site.
In an update presented at council’s regular meeting Monday night, staff said the rail cars were placed on the property in 2014 without the city’s permission.
As the cars deteriorated, they became easier to enter and generated ongoing safety, nuisance and property concerns.
The city received repeated complaints about people entering and staying in the cars, drug use, fires, vandalism, trespassing, stolen power and the removal of metal parts.
The activity affected the surrounding area and resort operations, while prompting frequent responses from city bylaw officers and the RCMP.
Interior of one of the rail car’s. (Photo Credit: The City of Cranbrook)
“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,” said Crystal Scott, General Manager, 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.”
Over roughly 12 years, city staff conducted site inspections, documented concerns, coordinated across departments and responded to complaints.
Staff also met with past and current owners, developed compliance agreements, issued formal notices and sought legal support when required.
After efforts to secure voluntary removal failed, council approved a Remedial Action Requirement on May 25, 2026, giving the current owner 60 days to remove the rail cars.
The owner hired GST Logistics to complete the removal 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,” said Amanda Peters, Manager of Police Support Services and Bylaw.
“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.”
Once permits, equipment and scheduling were in place, the rail cars were moved one at a time by truck. The four-week operation required continued coordination among the owner, contractor, railway and other project partners.
The city said the removal addresses repeated complaints and is expected to reduce demand on police and bylaw officers, allowing those resources to be directed to other community priorities.
Prestige with rail cars. (Photo Credit: The City of Cranbrook)
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