By constructing and managing the properties in the smaller centres, the Railroad was able to ensure accommodations for its officials and their families. The rotating in-and-out of supervisors gave these people exposure to the CPR's various subdivisions, allowed them to experience the challenges that may be specific to those territories, and to meet and understand the needs of the local rail customers. Having housing available in a small centre such as Schreiber, made such a transfer easier for the railways' incoming staff and their families.