Celebrating Niagara’s railway history
The Canadian Railroad Historical Association, Niagara Division, unveiled the Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto (NS&T) Railway Plaque in Welland Monday morning.
Association members presented the plaque to the community at the Recreation Trail’s crossing at Thorold Road where NS&T Stop 19 used to be when the railway was still running. The plaque includes information about NS&T history, as well as historical photos.
The group has installed a couple plaques in other Niagara communities, but in English only. For Paul Chapman, association member, the plaque is an exciting addition because the inscription is written in both English and French.
Chapman said Welland is a bilingual city with a diverse heritage, so it was important to reflect that with the plaque.
“The French translation was a challenge for certain technical words,” he said.
The association had a number of French speakers review the French translation before finalizing the board.
Through fundraising and donations from the Welland Heritage Advisory Committee the association was able to fund the plaque, which cost about $3,000. Tammy Frakking, association president, said it’s important to share Niagara’s history especially rail history because it assisted in the development of the region.
The NS&T connected people from Port Dalhousie all the way to Port Colborne. Not only was it imperative for the economy and business development, but also for connecting families.
The electric interurban railway began service in 1899 and ended in 1959. Chapman said in the early days most people didn’t have vehicles, so having the railway offered an opportunity for people to easily travel within the region.
Frakking said the NS&T is interesting because of the current move to bring the GO Train to Niagara. She said having a rail system isn’t a new concept, which is another reason to preserve its history. Peter Boyce, manager of Welland parks, said the NS&T was ahead of it’s time. And from a personal point, Boyce said he thought it was “amazing” how something so old is actually so new. For Frakking, it’s important to have commemorative plaques because it will hopefully spark community interest in rail history. By having the various plaques within the Niagara Region, she hopes will encourage people to join the CRHA Niagara Division.
“People may see these plaques and start asking questions.”
The CRHA is open for new members and meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Members meet at Lock 3 Museum on Canal Parkway in St. Catharines. Membership costs $20 a year. The next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 25.
For more information about the CRHA or to join, people can contact Andy Panko 905-262-5014 or