Disposition of properties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Disposition of properties

Gain on sale of Bass Lake railway line

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed the sale of the Bass Lake railway line for gross proceeds of $37 million (U.S. $27 million). The company recorded a gain on sale of $35 million ($26 million after tax) within "Purchased services and other" from the transaction.

Gain on sale of Obico

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Obico rail yard for gross proceeds of $38 million. The Company recorded a gain on sale of $37 million ($33 million after tax) within "Purchased services and other" from the transaction.

Gain on sale of Arbutus Corridor

In March 2016, the Company completed the sale of CP’s Arbutus Corridor (the “Arbutus Corridor”) to the City of Vancouver for gross proceeds of $55 million. The agreement allows the Company to share in future proceeds on the eventual development and/or sale of certain parcels of the Arbutus Corridor. The Company recorded a gain on sale of $50 million ($43 million after tax) within "Purchased services and other" from the transaction during the first quarter of 2016.