Cape Breton regional council to meet on rail line future

A special council meeting will be held this morning in Sydney to discuss the future of the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway.

The rail company intends to abandon freight service between St. Peters Junction and Sydney because it's losing money.

The company says it will apply to the utility and review board to stop using that portion of the line once a subsidy deal with the province runs out September 30th.

It plans to continue operating the rest of the 395-kilometre line, which runs from Truro to Sydney.

The Progressive Conservative Opposition has called for the Cape Breton line to be saved, saying it's vital to the region's economy and businesses.

Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan has said discussions will take place with business and municipal officials about the next steps.

He says that could include finding another operator.