Railway Tunnel set to open next week

As promised, the Brockville Railway Tunnel will be open on time for the Victoria Day long weekend, city officials announced Friday.

City Hall issued a statement Friday morning announcing that the popular attraction will open for the 2024 season on Friday, May 17.

As expected, the tunnel will, for now, feature a reduced light show, the result of accelerated equipment decay that city officials are now racing to address.

“For the time being, the tunnel will feature white lights only and we are excited to feature Brockville's local radio station, 104.9 MOVE FM inside the tunnel when it opens,” city officials said.

“We will continue to work on repairs and upgrades to bring back the colour show in all its glory. As soon as the required parts arrive and can be installed and programmed, which we estimate will be mid-summer, the show will be back in full force,” officials added.

City officials also suggested tunnel-goers, while unable for the moment to see the multicloured light show or the moving-train effect, can still make the best of a white situation.

“The white lights provide the best opportunity to observe the unique geological features of the tunnel, so we encourage you to take this opportunity to dive into the history and science of the tunnel when you visit,” they wrote.

Admission into the tunnel is free, although the city appreciates donations. Secure donation bins can be found inside the tunnel itself, or people can make a donation to the tunnel online.

The tunnel will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, seven days a week, although it may be closed for a week once the parts arrive and workers make the necessary repairs. A further announcement on that matter is expected.

“We thank you for your patience with this as we work through these repairs, and look forward to seeing you all out enjoying the tunnel this summer,” city officials wrote.