Posted By PATRICK BRENNAN, Times-Journal


Christmas came early Friday for volunteers with the North America Railway Hall of Fame, as federal and provincial politicians announced funding totalling $1.092 million for restoration upgrades to the building.

Both the province and the federal government announced grants of $546,400 which is to be matched by the hall of fame for a total of $1.639 million.
Chris Harvey, executive director of the North America Railway Hall of Fame, said the grants will be used for work inside and outside the building, completing the banquet hall and improving infrastructure outside.

This includes sitework, foundation waterproofing, an irrigation system and water harvesting.

"This is one area for both the federal and provincial governments where we're getting it right," said Joe Preston, Conservative MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London.
Of all the federal-provincial Economic Action Plan projects across the country, 1,400 have gone to Ontario communities, Preston noted.
"We're working to improve our infrastructure asset value," he said.

He credited not-for-profit groups like the North America Railway Hall of Fame with being a wise investment for government because "they don't waste a cent."
Liberal Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve Peters said heritage groups across Ontario are taking notice of the work going on at the CASO station in St. Thomas.
"This is a model for heritage groups across the province," Peters said.

"There is a recognition governments need to work together," added Paul Corriveau, president of the North America Railway Hall of Fame.
"We're putting aside a lot of political differences," Corriveau said.

He noted North America Railway Hall of Fame must raise matching funds of $546,400 to qualify for the grants