Council Supports North Shore Train Proposal in Principle

As part of the effort to reimagine Port Elgin’s North Shore Park, Council supports in principle the incorporation of the historic Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad into the park’s new design following additional public feedback.

Council heard a proposal from train owner Scott Pearson on Monday night that includes a site plan and related amenities.  Members directed staff to get additional public feedback and return to Council prior to working with Mr. Pearson to incorporate the train into park plans.

“We have heard from residents, both young and old, who say they want to see the train back in the park,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “Mr. Pearson has presented us with a workable plan that would bring the train back and create a new attraction on our waterfront.  Council wants to hear what the community thinks of this plan before proceeding with any changes at North Shore Park.”

The train proposal comes as the Town seeks to rehabilitate North Shore Park.  The site endured a significant amount of damage after storms in September 2021 and December 2022 took out hundreds of trees, ripping up the surrounding turf, as well as damaging trails, washrooms, and amenities. 

These storms forced the Town to remove the damaged trees along with hazardous debris.  Arborists say more tree damage is likely because the storms have weakened the canopy and root system.

After the initial storm, the Town held public consultations on the park’s future in July 2022, including the possible return of the train.  Respondents indicated strong support for that project, along with a desire to return the train to the waterfront.  That consultation led the Town to limit work at the park in 2022 in order to develop an integrated plan with the train proposal. 

 The project has a timeline of project milestones, including further public consultation, that can be found in Monday night’s report.  The Town will revise that timeline to bring the additional consultation forward in the coming weeks. The report also includes links to previous reports, as well as Mr. Pearson’s proposal.

The Town’s strategy and work along the waterfront continues to be guided by the Waterfront Master Plan.

*NOTE: this release has been corrected to add the concept of support "in principle".