St. Thomas, Ontario - The Elgin County Railway Museum (ECRM) Board of Directors approved the conceptual Site Master Plan as presented by a+LiNK at their August 18th meeting. The ECRM Site Master Plan – “Railway Park” Design is an exciting long-term vision created around the community’s desire to have a multi-use central park for all ages, with the ability to provide event space, recreation activities, and extend the heritage culture of the Elgin County Railway Museum.
Through public design charrettes, meetings with stakeholders, and input from the ECRM Board, a+LiNK Architecture Inc. and York Urbanist developed the conceptual plan. Some of the key concepts include; celebrating the rich history of the rail lands, pedestrian connectivity within the site, connections to the downtown, neighbouring properties and City trail systems, and providing festival venue and event spaces for all seasons. Principal Architect and Heritage Consultant with a+LiNK Architecture Inc., Ed van der Maarel, believes the design will connect all the cultural railway elements of the Railway City stemming from ECRM’s desire to create event space. The park will connect ECRM to the CASO Station, the St. Thomas Elevated Park, the PSTR, and the downtown. Identified by an iconic water tower landmark - a key component of the park, the central plaza space and eventually connect through the City’s trail system to the surrounding City Parks.
Site Master Plan on Display at Elgin County Railway Museum. Photo Courtesy ECRM
Ed van der Maarel admits, as an architect and lifelong resident of St. Thomas, it is hard not to get excited about the ECRM Park project. “How many private park developments do you know that exist? This is unheard of and there are so many elements contained in this long-term vision, it is difficult to express in a few words. I am looking forward to developing this further for the future of our children.”
Development of the conceptual plan was made possible through a $20,000 donation from the Estate of Dorothy Palmer. A portion of the remaining funds were used this summer to begin grading the property to improve the grounds to host Museum and community events. This Master Site Plan will provide the Museum with a long-term vision for their property, and blueprint to use for future implementation of site elements, as fundraising and resources permit.
“With the new pathways and parklands downtown, the construction of the police station and skateboard park, and now some new private sector developments, gradually we can envision a fresh look for the former railway lands,” commented Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Dorothy Palmer Estate. “The ‘Railway Park’ next to the Elgin County Railway Museum is an important piece of the puzzle. The conceptual plans are inspiring. This effort ties in nicely with some of the past projects supported by the Palmer Estate, which have attempted to connect our past with our future.”
The Museum was open to the public free of charge during last week’s Iron Horse Festival, and the community had the opportunity to view the conceptual plan and drawings for the project. The ECRM will continue to display the drawings throughout the fall for public viewing.
Development of the conceptual plan was made possible through a $20,000 donation from the Estate of Dorothy Palmer. A portion of the remaining funds were used this summer to begin grading the property to improve the grounds to host Museum and community events. This Master Site Plan will provide the Museum with a long-term vision for their property, and blueprint to use for future implementation of site elements, as fundraising and resources permit.
“With the new pathways and parklands downtown, the construction of the police station and skateboard park, and now some new private sector developments, gradually we can envision a fresh look for the former railway lands,” commented Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Dorothy Palmer Estate. “The ‘Railway Park’ next to the Elgin County Railway Museum is an important piece of the puzzle. The conceptual plans are inspiring. This effort ties in nicely with some of the past projects supported by the Palmer Estate, which have attempted to connect our past with our future.”
The Museum was open to the public free of charge during last week’s Iron Horse Festival, and the community had the opportunity to view the conceptual plan and drawings for the project. The ECRM will continue to display the drawings throughout the fall for public viewing.
About the Elgin County Railway Museum: Established in 1988, and incorporated in 1989, the Elgin County Railway Museum is located in the historic 1913 Michigan Central Railroad Locomotive Shop. It is a not-for-profit, charitable organization with an elected Board of Directors, and over 115 members. The public is encouraged to become a member, or volunteer and join the team, as they continue to transform the Museum and its rail lands, into a popular tourist attraction and steward of local railway heritage. The Elgin County Railway Museum is located at 225 Wellington Street, St. Thomas. Regular admission is $7 per adult, $3 per child, under 3 years old are admitted free. For more information, visit www.ecrm5700.org or call 519.637.6284.
Source: Elgin County Railway Museum
Source: Elgin County Railway Museum
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