24 September 2008
Friends of the Railway Not Giving Up on Dream to Rebuild Old Station
The York Street Train Station, formerly Canadian Pacific
Railway (CPR) station, in Fredericton was built in 1923 to replace an 1896 wooden building, in a rail yard that became the focus for
the city's first industrial park. It has been designated a heritage railway station by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
because of its historical and environmental significance as well as its architectural qualities. The heritage character of the station
is defined, on the exterior, by its overall massing, materials, and pattern of openings. This large brick structure, with sandstone
trim, has a hip-roofed profile typical of CPR stations of the era. It is one of the few brick stations remaining in New
Brunswick and is distinguished by tapestry brick patterning which is rare in Fredericton. With its greater formality and architectural
sophistication, the Fredericton station contrasts sharply with the province's simpler, more whimsical CPR wooden
stations.
Fredericton New Brunswick - The president of the
citizen-based Fredericton Friends of the Railway says he agrees with Mayor Brad Woodside that the York Street train
station needs to be fixed up.
But Steve Boyko said he doesn't agree the station is in such poor shape it should be demolished.
"I don't like the mayor's talk of tearing it down, but it's certainly stirred up the pot. We've had a couple of people step
forward and express interest in using the train station," Boyko said.
Those leads have been handed over to train station property owner J.D. Irving Ltd., he said.
The Fredericton Friends of the Railway is trying to generate interest and get parties together to find a use for the structure.
"In my opinion, no business is going to be able to restore this building on their own. It's going to take
co-operation from all levels of government to put this together, a real community effort," Boyko said.
"J.D. Irving is willing to help and provide a substantial contribution of materials."
Enterprise Fredericton, meantime, has been working on an updated assessment of the train station's repair costs and that study is
nearly completed, Boyko said.
"I understand where the mayor's coming from... He's under pressure to get it fixed somehow".
Finding funding to supplement repair costs is another challenge. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency used to have funds for heritage
properties.
A replica of a train station was built in St. Quentin under the program, but Boyko and his group aren't aware of any specific federal
or provincial programs that can help them.
The Fredericton train station was built in 1923. It was the departure point for troops during the Second World War, and it has greeted
illustrious guests, including members of Britain's Royal Family.
Federal election candidates for Fredericton are suggesting Ottawa should be involved in the redevelopment of the property.
Conservative candidate Keith Ashfield said he would lobby for federal funding.
Liberal candidate David Innes also supports federal action on the train station.
"I think that in this case, considering the inaction that has surrounded the issue, all levels of government should be involved in
pushing for the restoration of this heritage site," said NDP candidate Jesse Travis.
To learn more about the Fredericton Friends of the Railway, go to www.frederictonStation.com.
Comments
Yeah don't tear down this POS building. The rats and mice need a place to hunker down for the winter.
I say the roof caves in this winter. So have formed the "Save the Rats Tear Down the Train Station Association".
"Fredericton Friends of the Railway" - give me a freakin' break. Get a life.
How about something useful... say... ummm... "The Bring Back Blighty's Fish and Chip Stand Society".
or
"Friends of the Sam Satter Junk Yard".
While we are at it... what about "The Association of Concerned Citizens for the Restoration of the Barker House Alley Ladies of
the Evening Complex".
If you don't know what I am talking about then I rest my case. If you do know what I am talking about then I still rest my case!
The Mad Ape - www.tatumba.com
Why not tear it down and build a healthy replica of the train station? Set it up for commercial or office space, or even as a museum
with a gift store! That would draw tourists and be quite unique since there is nothing like that in this area. Bring in a diner car and
make it into a restaurant. Have an engine car, passenger car, boxcar, tanker, and caboose. Then maybe the children in the Fredericton
area would actually know what a real train looks like!
anon reader - Fredericton.
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