Saugeen Shores councillors are set to receive a detailed proposal for a small amusement train in Port Elgin’s North Shore Park.
A staff report to be presented to Committee of the Whole Tuesday (April 11) recommends council support the Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad proposal, direct staff to work with proponent Scott Pearson to incorporate the proposal into the park’s revitalization plans, and that council direct staff to develop a lease agreement with Pearson for the Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad.
Back in May of 2022, Pearson, who owns the North Shore Park’s original 1970s steam train, made a presentation to council about bringing it back to the park.
Staff were directed to discuss the proposal with Pearson and a public consultation session was held. In July 2022, about 60 people attended an in-person meeting to share ideas for the park. Others submitted comments to the Town as well. Community input showed strong support for the return of a train.
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Pearson now has a detailed proposal for his Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad Company plans which he will present April 11th.
He says the train, which will run using patented Bullfrogpower green electricity and biodiesel.
Pearson’s presentation says the Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad Company would commit to planting new cedar trees for the trees that were damaged and removed after the September 2021 storms. Staff say that’s equal to about 200 trees.
Pearson’s presentation notes, many of the cedar trees that were removed after the storm were saved from the wood chipper and would be used to create flower boxes, accessible picnic tables, fences and railroad ties.
The train site would include railway buildings in the ‘Queen Anne’ period style as well as railway gardens. He’s proposing the park a station, freight shed, round house and turntable.
Pearson also says in his presentation, he would like to bring a number of activities to the park, which could include railroad themed mini golf, a gallery for local artists and possibly a railroad themed wood shop. Other ideas include a gift shop, spaces for food trucks, an artisan charcuterie and wine garden, wireless internet access, birthday party rental space and accessible washrooms.
He says some possible festivals or activities could include events like ‘meet Santa’ or haunted train rides. He also suggests a model railroad show, movies in the park and possible cider, beer or food festivals.
It would be a two-phased project. The proposed date to have the train up and running is July 2025.
