23 February 2007
Plans for Local Railway Station Project Progressing
Portage la Prairie Manitoba - There may soon be a new
addition to Portage la Prairie's historic Canadian Pacific Railway station on Third Street N.E.
Portage la Prairie Heritage Inc. chairman Vic Edwards said yesterday "Save the CP Rail Station" committee is looking at
bringing a CP 5000 diesel locomotive to what will become Canadian Pacific Heritage Park. "As it stands right now, we are waiting for
an answer to our request. It was a little in limbo before because we needed a way to get it (the engine) here," he said.
The committee wants to take possession of an engine currently located at Alberta Rail Museum in Edmonton. Although Edwards doesn't yet
know what the museum's answer will be, he is hopeful the Portage organization will be able to acquire the General Motors locomotive. Only
two exist in Canada. "The transportation we can manage. It would probably be in the neighbourhood of $1,000," the chairman said,
adding there would be no cost for the locomotive itself, which would travel to Portage by rail.
If the station committee's request is granted, the 23-ton engine will be set up as a static display just west of the old CP
station, requiring the construction of a rail bed and a protective structure.
Edwards noted the potential acquisition came to the attention of the committee "through the grapevine." The engine is currently
painted a bright orange, not its original colour, and will need to be restored, although with new batteries, the approximately
40-year-old machine would be operational.
The possible addition of a locomotive isn't the only thing in the works for the station. "This year, the public will be able to look
forward to seeing some significant changes at the station," said Tom McCartney, a director for Save the CP Rail Station committee.
Those changes will include the reconstruction of a wooden platform, outdoor displays of baggage wagons, painting exterior components of
the building, and restoration of wooden entryways.
McCartney added yesterday fundraising for the station is an ongoing process, and the committee is hoping to attract corporate sponsors.
He said he wants to target companies and organizations that have used the railway in one way or another.
The organization will also hold its second annual antiques and collectibles flea market on 3 Jun 2007 at the exhibition
building at Island Park's fairgrounds. "There is always an opportunity for the community at large to get involved with our
heritage," McCartney added.
Edwards and the station committee plans to turn the 114-year-old station into a railway museum and interpretive centre. The
building, which was constructed in 1893, was badly damaged during a fire in November of 2002.
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