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The authority, which bought the station when it purchased the abandoned rail line from Oldcastle to Ruthven in 1995, hasn't picked a use for the building. The rail line is being turned into a recreational trail called the Chrysler Canada Greenway and the historic rail station could be a good opportunity. The uses could range from a display area to explain the greenway trail to meeting rooms or space rented out to a cafe.
Restoration of the 109-year-old Kingsville train station can begin as soon as some funds are raised.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority will show off architectural plans at an open house Nov. 25 at the Pelee Island Winery.
The plans show the field-stone station, built in 1889 by Hiram Walker and Sons, can get a new roof and basic repairs to make it safe for about $50,000. The roof won't be the original slate but will replace the temporary roof built by volunteers in 1995. Other work such as landscaping and electrical changes to make the building useful will cost more.
Chris Allsop, the authority's land management supervisor, said work should begin within the next year. The weathered building has survived demolition threats and vandalism in recent years.
"To save and maintain that building, we can't wait much longer," she said. "We do need to raise funding for it."
The authority, which bought the station when it purchased the abandoned rail line from Oldcastle to Ruthven in 1995, hasn't picked a use for the building. The rail line is being turned into a recreational trail called the Chrysler Canada Greenway and the historic rail station could be a good opportunity. The uses could range from a display area to explain the greenway trail to meeting rooms or space rented out to a cafe.
A small section of the greenway was opened in Harrow this year, and the Harrow to Ruthven trail should be completed by the spring. The completed 44-km trail is expected to attract 21,700 people in its first year of operation and generate revenues of $992,920.
Allsop said the authority is looking for ideas about uses for the trail station and fundraising from the community. The Nov. 25 open house will also feature blueprints and plans for the public to view. The open house runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville.
"To save and maintain that building, we can't wait much longer. We do need to raise funding for it." Chris Allsop, ERCA land management supervisor
Copyright Southam Publications Inc. Nov 17, 1998