Railway Partners
The Edmonton Exhibition Association (EEA) was aware of costs that
might impede individuals with livestock from participating in the
various events that took place on its exhibition grounds throughout the
year. Prices for transporting large animals such as dairy cows and
racehorses could add up to a significant sum of money—especially when
moving animals from one prairie exhibition to another. With the purpose
of assisting livestock owners in this matter, the EEA negotiated with
the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian National Railway.
Successful partnerships were struck between the railways resulting in
tailored arrangements such as cost coverage for switching trains
(which would have normally been charged to the traveller). Special
passenger tariff designations meant reduced travel rates for livestock
owners and their accompanying staff. Altered load weight tariffs also
allowed for a decreased cost for carrying a cargo of heavy animals. By
facilitating the movement of agriculturalists, the industry partners
helped to boost economic growth while increasing their businesses via
rail users, and fair participants.
With time, rumblings of exceptional deals being offered by the
railways got around to the general public and created tension; railway
companies had become aware of non-agriculturalists using false
designations to receive special tariffs. Feeling that their goodwill was
being abused, railway companies clearly articulated the stipulations for
special rates to the
EEA and announced that applications and official
documentation confirming status as a livestock breeder would be
necessary for privileges to be extended. Validating their partners’
concerns, the EEA collaborated in the application process in an effort
to maintain its partnership with the railway companies.
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