2009

15 December 2009 No Objections Filed Over Train Station Refurbishment A worker uses a skid steer to move earth into the York Street train station Monday morning as crews fill in basement crawl spaces. No objections were filed with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for planned repairs and renovations to the historic train station, which is protected under federal legislation.     Frederiction New Brunswick - Planned repairs and renovations of the York Street train station haven't met any formal public objection.   The period to file opposition or comments to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada regarding restoration work that will see the station turned into an NB Liquor store closed at the end of November.   "I can tell you we didn't get any official opposition," Julie Dompierre, executive secretary of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada at Parks Canada, said Monday.   The historic train station is protected under federal legislation.   "We have sent the railway company a letter saying we are now moving ahead with our evaluation of their proposal."   Irving struck a deal earlier this fall with the Crown corporation for a 20-year lease.   It will allow the front portion of the station built in 1923 to be retained and refurbished, while the freight storage shed attached will be demolished and replaced by a liquor store.   Dompierre said heritage experts, engineers, and architects with the federal government will review Irving's proposal for the building.   Parks Canada will then make a recommendation to Heritage Minister Jim Prentice, who will in turn make a recommendation to the federal cabinet. The cabinet must approve the work.   Dompierre said that typically involves some back and forth between the board and a project proponent.   "Our office's job is to make sure the heritage value of the station will be protected," Dompierre said.   The Urban Farmer, a Fredericton contractor, is working inside the train station. Workers are filling in basement crawl spaces with earth.   Replacement of the building's roof, which was approved by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, is expected to be complete in February.   The second phase is the rehabilitation of the interior of the train station.   "Once again, we will be seeking approvals from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada," said Irving spokesman Geoff Britt.   "In the meantime, we are preparing the design work and getting ready for a tender call in the spring. We expect to complete the project by the fall of 2010."   NB Liquor spokeswoman Nora Lacey was pleased to hear the process towards revitalization is making progress.   "It sounds like we've gotten through the first hurdle in the approvals for the renovation of the train station," she said.   "I think so many people have high expectations and are excited to see the progress not only in the physical building but the steps towards getting the station refurbished."   The vacant and run-down structure was placed on the Heritage Canada Foundation's list of the 10 most threatened heritage sites in the country in 2006.   Shawn Berry.

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