St. Thomas is currently in the planning stages of a project designed to put the “Railway” back in the Railway City. The plan to renew the historic L&PS corridor will involve the creation of an exciting people place. It also innovatively counters some of the obstacles to building a St. Thomas “brand” and identity.
Railway stories and images form a vivid part of the St. Thomas psyche, but trains today are few and far between and there’s nary a one to ride. The Iron Horse Festival has struggled to find a satisfactory downtown place with adequate infrastructure. Many businesses are dedicated to being part of the downtown, but could use a boost. Both CASO Station and Elgin County Railway Museum have worked admirably to maintain two iconic railway structures, but they have worked somewhat in isolation of a big-picture “Railway City” vision which has made maintaining momentum sometimes difficult.
The plan announced on Tuesday by Mayor Heather Jackson and CAO Wendell Graves deals with all of the above challenges and includes each of the associated stakeholders as part of an innovative vision. Parts of the project are to include:
- development of the rail corridor from Wellington Street north to Kains Street
- construction of a portion of the Trans Canada Trail
- a pathway suited to host community events and festivals
- reconstruction of the L&PS Station from the 2012 International Plowing match in the Station Parkette at the north end of Moore Street
- installation of a portion of rail tracks that would provide a connection to the CASO Station, the Elgin County Railway museum and to Port Stanley
Many stakeholders are being consulted during the conceptual planning stage including the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board, the St. Thomas and Area Homebuilders Association, The Port Stanley Terminal Railway, the Municipal Heritage Committee, The North America Railway Hall of Fame, the Elgin County Railway Museum and the Iron Horse Festival. The project is being considered in cooperation with the Dorothy Palmer Estate.
Several of the stakeholders gathered on Tuesday afternoon at the Station Parkette for the project announcement.
The plan announced on Tuesday by Mayor Heather Jackson and CAO Wendell Graves deals with all of the above challenges and includes each of the associated stakeholders as part of an innovative vision. Parts of the project are to include:
- development of the rail corridor from Wellington Street north to Kains Street
- construction of a portion of the Trans Canada Trail
- a pathway suited to host community events and festivals
- reconstruction of the L&PS Station from the 2012 International Plowing match in the Station Parkette at the north end of Moore Street
- installation of a portion of rail tracks that would provide a connection to the CASO Station, the Elgin County Railway museum and to Port Stanley
Many stakeholders are being consulted during the conceptual planning stage including the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board, the St. Thomas and Area Homebuilders Association, The Port Stanley Terminal Railway, the Municipal Heritage Committee, The North America Railway Hall of Fame, the Elgin County Railway Museum and the Iron Horse Festival. The project is being considered in cooperation with the Dorothy Palmer Estate.
Several of the stakeholders gathered on Tuesday afternoon at the Station Parkette for the project announcement.
Above clockwise from top right: Andrew Gunn, Heather Jackson, Wendell Graves at renewal announcement; BX tower; L&PS Station at 2010 Plowing Match; corridor looking from Station Parkette; Passenger Car at PSTR Station in Port Stanley.
Above L-R: Dan Muscat, DDB; Dan Vernackt, PSTR; Mayor Heather Jackson; Wendell Graves, CAO; Art Pol, Elgin St. Thomas Home Builders Assoc; Andrew Gunn, Trustee of Dorothy Palmer Estate; Ross Tucker, Dir. Parks & Recreation.
Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Palmer Estate, commended the project as a “tremendous symbol for the renewal of Downtown St. Thomas” and also noted his enthusiasm for the involvement of the Port Stanley Terminal Rail.
“The renewing of the historic L&PS rail corridor within the heart of the City is a rare opportunity for the City and its potential positive impacts are unlimited” stated Mayor Heather Jackson.” “I look forward to seeing the development of the concept plans.”
The stakeholders have set the stage for the community to get involved and engaged. As you gaze south down the historic rail corridor, it’s not hard to imagine the train rolling into town from Port Stanley, and hiking and biking the pathways, all in vicinity of a revitalized downtown. The community will be invited to share that imagination and to comment on the conceptual plans in June. All aboard!!
“The renewing of the historic L&PS rail corridor within the heart of the City is a rare opportunity for the City and its potential positive impacts are unlimited” stated Mayor Heather Jackson.” “I look forward to seeing the development of the concept plans.”
The stakeholders have set the stage for the community to get involved and engaged. As you gaze south down the historic rail corridor, it’s not hard to imagine the train rolling into town from Port Stanley, and hiking and biking the pathways, all in vicinity of a revitalized downtown. The community will be invited to share that imagination and to comment on the conceptual plans in June. All aboard!!
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