Brockville Ontario - One of downtown Brockville's biggest marvels has opened its oversized doors for another season.
 
The much-anticipated spring reopening of the Brockville Railway Tunnel took place Thursday, with mayor Matt Wren describing this year in particular as one of recovery, and moving past the challenges of the last few years.
 
"It just seemed that, rather than just opening the doors and turning on the lights we should take pause and celebrate the fact we have this marvelous thing in our community, the oldest railway tunnel in Canada," Wren said at the opening ceremonies.
 
"I think the other thing that makes this small gathering important is that, perhaps, we can finally celebrate with confidence the fact we are entering a summer season that will feel back to normal."
 
The popular tourist draw, which closes its doors for the winter each year, will now be open from 09:00 to 21.00 seven days a week, until October.
 
The opening ceremony at the south entrance of the tunnel Thursday was well attended, with around 40 people in attendance, including members of the Brockville Infantry Company, and Brockville Legion Pipes and Drums.
 
The well-loved facility first opened to the public in 2017, after a years-long fundraising campaign, as well as extensive planning, studies, and construction work.
 
Wren said while he wasn't involved with city council when the decision was made to restore the tunnel, he did have the opportunity to walk through before construction began.
 
"That involved flashlights and gum rubber high boots. It was certainly very interesting to see, but it was impossible to envision what this could become," Wren said.
 
"It wasn't easy, it was a very big endeavor, and if it weren't for the determination of a number of individuals, and the tremendous generosity of many donors, we wouldn't be standing here today in front of what it truly a gem in our downtown core and on the shores of our beautiful waterfront."
 
The attraction has turned into the main tourism draw for the city, each year bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the city's downtown core.
 
Wren said the tunnel "is by far and away the main draw attracting people to visit our city."
 
"It has put us on the map," he said.
 
There is no charge for admission to the tunnel, but officials ask for donations in one of the red donation bins at either end of the tunnel to help pay for the ongoing costs to run it.
 
Sabrina Bedford.