The Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC) represents the first true railway specific conference in Canada with a formal committee and a requirement for peer reviewed papers. The Conference focuses on building leading practices in railway engineering in Canada and among countries that face railway infrastructure issues in cold regions.

Professionals and researchers involved with railway engineering have opportunities to present ideas, learn of new developments and technologies, make professional contacts and discuss issues related to railway engineering in Canada and cold regions.

We are pleased to announce that the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference will be held in Edmonton, Alberta – April 21-22, 2026

Registration Fees

General Attendee - Early Bird $787.50 (until March 15)

General Attendee - Regular $892.50 (March 16 – Apr 21)

Student Attendee - $420

Site Tour - $30 per person

All prices include 5% GST and are in CAD

Looking for a hotel? Click here for details on special rates

CONFERENCE THEME AND TOPICS

RAILS TO PROSPERITY: ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE

Supply chain efficiency and resiliency
Passenger Rail & Transit
Innovations in railway engineering
Risk, safety and reliability
Human Factors

Innovations in maintenance of way and equipment
Climate change and environment
Connected and Artificial Intelligence Applications
Case studies

SITE TOUR (OPTIONAL)

Site Tour - Hydrogen Locomotive Fueling Facility Tour

Join us for a guided tour of the innovative Clover Bar hydrogen electrolyzer facility, where you'll see firsthand how clean hydrogen fuel is produced and delivered to power next-generation locomotives. During the tour, we’ll explore the facility's advanced electrolyzers, which use water and electricity to create hydrogen, without generating any carbon emissions. You'll also have the unique opportunity to witness a hydrogen-powered locomotive being fueled in real time, demonstrating the critical role this technology plays in building a sustainable rail network. Discover how CPKC, in partnership with Alberta ERA, is leading the way with facilities like this one in Edmonton to shape the future of clean transportation.

The tour will take place at the end of the conference on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Must be a registered attendee of the conference.

Only 30 spots are available. First come first serve. $30 pp.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

JAMIE LOCKWOOD

Vice-President, Investor Relations and Special Projects

Jamie Lockwood was appointed Vice-President, Investor Relations and Special Projects in February 2026, bringing more than 18 years of diverse railway and financial leadership experience to the role. He is based in Montreal, QC.

Jamie leads CN’s engagement with the investment community, ensuring transparentcommunication of the Company’s strategy, performance, and outlook. He also oversees investor outreach and cultivates strongrelationships with investors and analysts.

Jamie has a broad and strategic background of the rail industry, having held multiple seniorleadership roles at CN in Strategy, Supply Chain, Engineering and Finance. His past executive appointments include Vice-President, Engineering; Vice-President, Financial Planning; Vice-President, Strategy & Supply Chain; and Vice-President, Strategy. Earlier in his career, he progressed through key positions in Internal Audit, Finance, and Corporate Accounting, consistently recognized for his analytical strength, operational insight, andcommitment to improving business processes.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy (2004) and a Graduate Diploma inAccountancy (2006) from Concordia University in Montreal. He is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA Québec).

Michael Bourque

President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada

Michael Bourque is the President and CEO at Fertilizer Canada. Prior to joining us, he was the CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association and President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. He has also held senior government relations positions with the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and Bayer Canada Inc where he was responsible for federal public affairs.

Michael started his career in government as a political aide and later as an official in federal provincial relations and the Privy Council Office. Michael studied public policy and administration and economics at Toronto’s York University. Michael is known as a strong advocate for sensible policy that is rooted in facts and data and for finding creative ways to ensure his members are heard and understood.

ACCOMMODATIONS - BOOK BY MAR 20

Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel and accommodations. We have secured preferential hotel booking rates at the following hotels for attendees who are interested in a discounted rate:

Campus Tower Suite Hotel

Rooms are available from Monday, April 20 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Rates start at $168 per night plus taxes, based on double occupancy.

Individual online reservations can be made directly with the Hotel with this link or by calling our toll-free number 800.709.1824, or the hotel direct at 780.439.6060. The group code 8256563 or meeting name by quoting - CCRC 2026

Parking Available for $25 per vehicle, per night (No vehicles over 6ft. will fit in the attached parkade)

All reservations must be made before March 20, 2026. Reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure rate and availability. Rooms can fill up quickly; therefore, the block of room can fill before the block cutoff date.

Varscona Hotel (location for banquet dinner on April 21, 2026)

Rates start at $159.00 per night plus taxes and are available from April 20 to 23, 2026. Reservations are based on availability at the time of booking. All reservations must be made by March 20, 2026. Modifications are allowed only before March 20, 2026. Individual online reservations can be made directly with the hotel with this link.

The following items are included in our room rates at no extra charge:

▪ Complimentary Breakfast Buffet – 6:30am – 9:30am Mon-Fri|7:30-10:30am Weekends & Holidays

▪ Complimentary Parking

▪ In-room high-speed Internet access

▪ Unlimited local phone calls & calling card or toll-free calls

▪ In-room Illy coffee maker

▪ Unlimited access to the Fitness Facility

▪ 24-hour access to the Business Centre

***Please note – Varscona Hotel on Whyte Hotel is 100% smoke-free***

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

As we prepare for CCRC 2026, we invite your organization to join us as a sponsor. Your support will be vital to the conference’s success and will provide valuable exposure to key industry partners, including CN, CPKC, and others. A range of sponsorship levels is available to suit your organization’s interests and level of commitment.

We hope you will consider supporting CCRC 2026, a partnership that will benefit your organization while advancing railway engineering and its role in addressing climate change. We look forward to the opportunity to work together to make this event a success.

View our Sponsorship Package

INFORMATION FOR AUTHORS

IMPORTANT DATES

Paper submissions are past due. If you have not yet submitted your final paper, please contact Jen Stogowski at CaRRL@ualberta.ca to make arrangements.

Notice of Acceptance – March 15, 2026

Author Registration – March 15, 2026

Final Paper Submission & PDF Approval – March 31, 2026

Presentations due by – April 15, 2026

*dates are subject to change

PAST CONFERENCES

The Canadian Rail Research Laboratory played a pivotal role in establishing the Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC) Series. Please click on the conference year for more information and a digital copy of the Proceedings.

1st Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2021)

2nd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2024)

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