A Vision for the Future
Preserving Our Past as a Bridge to Our Future
In November 2000, a master plan including a conservation management strategy was prepared and will guide in the restoration of the station as an historic site. It is our intention to operate the station as a commercial development and tourist attraction (which has interpretive exhibits, including an audio-visual presentation). Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Limited was engaged to undertake the Phase 1 - Feasibility Needs Analysis and a Phase 2 - Heritage Master Plan. The following excerpts are from the Phase 1 Feasibility Analysis.
The vision for the Canada Southern Railway Station is of a dynamic, highly visited, beautifully restored Station, functioning as a catalyst to the City of St. Thomas’s overall downtown revitalization.
In five years, we see thousands of people coming to admire this unique historic structure restored to the majesty of this former corporate headquarters. Exterior features have been restored to its original, including the platform canopy surrounding the building.
The station is now the center of activity as residents and visitors take part in a range of activities. On selected days, they come to the new and improved Farmers Market moved from Horton Market where the new seniors’ apartments now stand. They come to catch a bus at the new public transit office formerly located on Talbot Street. As they wait in the restored waiting room, they view with interest displays and artifacts on the history and culture of the city. With their interest piqued, they take the time to enter and study local history at the Railway Hall of Fame or the Jumbo Museum display.
Tourists come to the station for tourist information from the Elgin Tourist Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Iron Horse Festival or one of the other related organizations that have offices in the building.
Architecture and History
The Canada Southern Railway Station’s architecture and history provides the basis for aggressively marketing the Station as a unique, prestigious heritage property. The CASO Station is virtually a horizontal “skyscraper”, and its size and design gives the building a dominating aura and presence in St. Thomas’s downtown. The Station’s profile in the community has certainly been altered by the loss of passenger service. The loss of the landscaped garden square, which was a visible feature on the north side of the Station property facing Talbot Street, also disconnected the Station’s linkage to the commercial core area. In spite of its changed status, the CASO Station, once restored, will live on for generations as a signature landmark in downtown St. Thomas. It has the potential to be marketed as a “prestigious business address” for businesses, or organizations operating from the restored facility.
Interior Space allocation drawing as presented in the Phase 1 - Feasibility and Analysis Report prepared by Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Limited in 2000. This drawing refers to the space available on each floor of the station with consideration for possible Hotel accommodation space as well as retail, offices, railway display and a restaurant.
Future Role of CASO Station
Despite the fact that St. Thomas is a healthy community with a solid industrial base, the downtown core has deteriorated as a centre for business and social activity. There is a consensus that something needs to be done about the downtown, particularly after the potential loss of the arena location. There is a general sense that the station is the obvious choice to be the engine for change in the downtown.
The station could well be the catalyst /focal point not only for the downtown, but also as the key destination for visitors to the region.
CASO Station’s Role in Tourism Development
Tourism, as an industry in the St. Thomas area, is in a growth phase of development. St Thomas/Elgin has several assets that need to be linked and packaged. The CASO Station could serve as the nucleus for these assets which include: artisans, farm tours, wineries, the village of Port Stanley, operating trains and railroad heritage attractions.
St. Thomas: Identity and Branding
St. Thomas still has strong connections to local and national railroad heritage. It was stressed throughout the interviews that “now is the time” to capitalize on these assets. The past railroaders in St.Thomas are aging and are retired. This is the time to capture their time, stories, history and money.
The Station is the most important tangible expression of that era. It is essential not to allow the Station to decline any further. Instead, the building needs to be restored and re-positioned as a prominent address within the region.
Future Tenants
Although many possibilities are talked about within the community for both private and non-profit uses, very few firm commitments were identified through the course of the Phase 1, Feasibility and Analysis study. It seems that the best bet would be to negotiate with local development and tourism based organizations and the municipality to create a cluster of like-minded businesses. There seems to be strong consensus that a restaurant/special functions/meeting space could be a viable business opportunity. Second floor office space is most definite and some interest is possible from lawyers, accountants, not-for-profit and other small companies.
Initial discussions have taken place about relocating the Pioneer Museum in a portion of the Station, however a permanent home for the North America Railway Hall of Fame and other railway interpretation space is certain.