By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Behind the sheeting and scaffolding, Chatham’s historic VIA Rail station is getting a major overhaul.
According to a message from VIA’s media relations team, work on the 147-year-old brick structure represents one of the “most comprehensive rehabilitations in its history.
“We are restoring and protecting the station’s historic architectural character while extending the life of the building and ensuring safe, uninterrupted service for our passengers,” the email stated.
That’s welcome news to Jim Griffin, chair of the Chatham-Kent Municipal Heritage Committee.
“I’m very, very pleased to see them doing this work,” the longtime train buff told The Voice recently. “I’m interested in what’s going on with the station. We love to see railways being restored.”
Dating back to 1879, the Queen Street landmark is a designated heritage railway station under the Heritage Railways Protection Act. That means it cannot be altered, demolished, sold or transferred without permission from Governor in Council. Designation of the site under the Act was made in 1995.
According to VIA, the scope of work includes the full rehabilitation of masonry and wood elements, the reconstruction of both chimneys, repointing of mortar joints, repair of brickwork, and restoration of the wood canopy structure. VIA is also replacing the station’s full drainage system, from gutters and downspouts to the below-grade infrastructure.
The Chatham station is one of three major heritage stations in Ontario currently being rehabilitated, along with Brantford and Stratford. The project is part of a multi-million investment by VIA to preserve an integral piece of Canada’s history.
“This reflects a commitment that runs across our entire network,” officials stated. “From Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to Halifax station, Winnipeg Union Station to the Gare du Palais in Quebec City, preserving these stations is central to who we are as Canada’s national passenger rail service.”
Ironically the station has never been designated as a heritage property by Chatham-Kent. Griffin said the municipal heritage committee meets regularly to submit properties to the provincial registry and will be considering the Chatham station for designation in the near future.
Restoration at the Chatham station is expected to be completed sometime this summer.
