Last Train To Collingwood BCRY Barrie Collingwood Railway Makes Final Trip To Town
Rail transportation to and from Collingwood has officially ended. On Thursday, July 14th, the last train to Collingwood arrived from Barrie marking the end of an era that dates back to the mid 1800's.
The railway line that came into Collingwood triggered the establishment of Ontario's first railway company, known as the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Railway, in 1851. Two years later, Collingwood was selected as the railway's northern terminus and the foundation for the Town of Collingwood was established. After numerous name changes, and the addtion of a competing railroad company, Collingwood's thriving railway began to feel the effects of competing modes of transportation. Canadian National (CN) was the last company to run trains from the Collingwood Station.
In 1866, almost 10,000 passengers boarded trains at Collingwood Station. Watching the train traffic in Collingwood became a popular past-time among residents and the station grounds were subsequently landscaped and a bandstand was erected. Trains brought visitors to Collingwood for many special events including ship launches, parades and royal visits.
Collingwood Mayor Sandra Cooper and Simcoe County Warden/Wasaga Beach Mayor Cal Patterson boarded the train when it arrived in the Collingwood town limits to ride the final few kilometres to Canadian Mist.
Collingwood Mayor Sandra Cooper and Simcoe County Warden/Wasaga Beach Mayor Cal Patterson, had the last ride on the BCRY Railway