HEATHER BOA Bullet News GODERICH – A decade after Goderich’s mayor sat down with a local restaurateur at a coffee shop to discuss the possibility of a beachfront restaurant to attract tourists, a trio of agreements have been signed to allow the project to proceed.
The Town of Goderich has signed a 20-year lease agreement, a site plan agreement and a moving agreement with 915586 Ontario Ltd., represented by Herb Marshall, that will see the relocation of the historic CPR train station to a patch of municipally owned land directly west of its current home and south of Goderich Elevators’ weigh station.
“It gives us an opportunity to compete with other locations – Bayfield, Grand Bend,” Marshall said.
The 105-year-old train station will transfer to the town for one dollar before it’s moved by Laurie McCullough Building Moving, of Whitby, which specializes in historic and masonry buildings. The move is expected to be complete by Christmas. There is a provision that if it’s ruined in the move, a replica that incorporates as much original material as possible will be built, drawing on a $200,000 deposit.
The $15,000 annual rent to the town will be used for waterfront improvements. In the agreement, the town is required to pay up to $200,000 for environmental cleanup related to the municipal land the station is currently on and the land to which it is being moved. As well, it will pay for asbestos removed, estimated at $7,000, said Larry McCabe, who is the town’s administrator.
Marshall, who owns a circa 1830 building on West Street and runs the Park House Restaurant located there, told council this week that the estimated costs have escalated over the past number of years.
“I’m a tough guy to deal with, but I’m hoping to make this project go at $1.5 million with a move on top of that of $250,000,” he said. And that doesn’t take into account his long-term goal to create a convention centre on the site.
“I think it’s a great day for Goderich,” said John Grace, who is the deputy mayor, noting the municipal-private partnership will create a destination for tourists.
“I can’t believe that it’s happening,” he said.
The CPR station has architectural and cultural significance, with its hipped roof over the central portion and a cross-gable and lunette trackside. Restored slate tiles top the cupola of the round waiting room. Original interior features include a true ceiling with three large medallions, wooden screens, interior doors, fixtures, trim and decorative plaster. On August 3, 1988, the last train stopped on the bridge to blow its whistle for a final time.
Bob Davis, who is a member of the Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee, listed the CPR station on the Building Stories website, an on-line interactive inventory of community heritage assets. More information about the building and historic photos can be found by visiting online and entering “CPR station” in the keyword search found at the bottom right of the page.
2 Comments on "Goderich’s CPR station is on the move"
I have known Sherri and Herb for many years and if any can pull this move off with a succesful business it will be Sherri and Herb but of course there will be certain politicians that will try and take credit for the success of the venture.
There was a lot of talk about moving the C.N.R. station!! Now that talk has come to ‘fruition’!!! Well done!!!!