 | Manhattan has the High Line, a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Paris has the Promenade Plantée, an extensive green belt that follows the old Vincennes railway line. Visitors of today are happy to find outdoor beauty, recreation and relaxation on the spaces once reserved for trains. Members of On Track St. Thomas, a community development organization, believe that the Kettle Creek MCR Bridge could be the foundation for Canada’s first elevated park, and an attraction which would most certainly put St. Thomas on the map. |
The Kettle Creek Bridge has stood at the western edge of the city since 1929, a recognized engineering marvel of its day which, at its peak carried over 140 trains daily. It remains one of the most recognizable and iconic structures in Southwestern Ontario.
Developed as a public place, it would be a high profile addition to the Trans Canada Trail, offering stunning views of the Kettle Creek valley in all directions. By taking that vision to the next level, with the creation of an elevated park, St. Thomas would have a major tourist attraction and a significant boost to economic development.ick here to edit.
Developed as a public place, it would be a high profile addition to the Trans Canada Trail, offering stunning views of the Kettle Creek valley in all directions. By taking that vision to the next level, with the creation of an elevated park, St. Thomas would have a major tourist attraction and a significant boost to economic development.ick here to edit.
On Track St. Thomas is the organization that assured the preservation of the CASO station and brought rail-themed murals to downtown. The St. Thomas Elevated Park Project is an ambitious vision, but one with obvious logic. Along with the Elgin Country Railway Museum and the restored CASO station, the MCR Kettle Creek Bridge is a prominent reminder of the city’s status as the Railway Capital of Canada. It is a signature attraction for rail aficionados nationally and internationally.
Phase one of the project is underway. A new board of directors of On Track St. Thomas has been planning for the purchase and stabilization of the MCR bridge in time for the December, 2012 closing date on the current offer to purchase.
Phase one of the project is underway. A new board of directors of On Track St. Thomas has been planning for the purchase and stabilization of the MCR bridge in time for the December, 2012 closing date on the current offer to purchase.
The total fundraising goal for this phase is $250,000. This will purchase the trestle bridge and all associated lands from King St. in the east to Munro Ave. in the west, a total distance of 1.6 km . It will also cover costs associated with surveys, environmental studies, inititial stabilization work and insurance.
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The plan will be officially unveiled to St. Thomas City Council during a deputation at its Aug. 13 meeting. A town hall meeting to introduce the full concept to the general public is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 7 pm in the historic CASO station in St. Thomas.
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