The old CNR station in Shellbrook has been standing for over 100 years. (submitted photo/Bevra Fee)

By Nigel Maxwell

Historical buildings

Future of Shellbrook CN rail station remains in limbo

Nov 24, 2020 | 3:00 PM

At least for the time being. the future of the old CN rail station in Shellbrook remains in limbo and there is no immediate plans to demolish it.

A resolution, which if passed, would repeal the building’s municipal heritage designation, was on Friday’s agenda for the newly elected town council but was not actually discussed. The bylaw change could pave the way for the building’s demolition one day. Mayor Amund Otterson explained to paNOW the item was marked as unfinished business and will stay there for awhile.

“We will deal with it, but it’s sitting there in abeyance for now,” he said.

The future of the old rail station was first discussed by paNOW in an article on April 13. At the time, the town’s former Mayor George Toporowski explained the $500,000 cost needed to refurbish the building, was just no longer feasible for the community. Otterson reiterated that point, explaining the town received a quote and the cost of building a new one was less than repairing the current one.

“I’ve been inside and I’ve seen the rafters and the structure. I mean it’s not built according to modern standards by any stretch if the imagination,” he said.

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Construction of the old CN rail station was completed in December 1909 and is one of the town’s earliest buildings. In 1988, the property was a designated Municipal Heritage Property and a group of dedicated volunteers have been helping to keep it running as a museum.

A photo of the rail station during its glory days. (Facebook/Bevra Fee)

Council’s decision to delay moving forward on the rescinding order, dates back to May following some public response and at least one letter asking for more time to look at other options. Otterson acknowledged there are a number of artifacts in the building, adding some are very specific to the town’s history and uniqueness.

“I think they need to be preserved and displayed in some manner. I’m just not convinced the CN building is the most effective or the most economical way to do that,” he said

While nothing has been definitely set in stone, Otterson explained there has been some discussion away from the council table about what to do with the artifacts including expanding the town’s tourist booth at the highway and moving some of the artifacts there.

“We also have a plan to move another building over there which is a former school house and set it up as both a welcoming centre plus a small museum,” he said.

Other council notes

To help prevent the spread and lower the risk of COVID-19, the Town of Shellbrook has updated its health protocols with respect to the Shellbrook Theatre, Curling Club, and the Richardson Pioneer Recreation Centre.

Theatre

Among the policies in place at the theatre, are procedures for entry and exit. As well everyone must check in at the desk when entering the building and will be seated by theatre staff.

A maximum of 80 attendees will be accepted for each viewing and will be spaced to ensure social distancing.

Curling Club

Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Masks will be mandatory upon entering and exiting the building, as close contact with others may be unavoidable in these spaces. Masks will not be required on the ice nor when a team is seated at their table in the lounge.

Lockers will still be made available for shoes and brooms, however players are encouraged to come dressed in their curling attire. On-ice signage will be installed to direct proper traffic flow for the players. Only one player will be permitted to sweep on all delivering stones.

Richardson Pioneer Recreation Centre

Masks are required for everyone that enters the building, including participants, coaches, management and volunteers. Once participants enter the ice surface masks can be removed.

It is the renter’s responsibility to ensure their group follows all guidelines.

Records of attendance will be retained by the Town of Shellbrook for a minimum of one month and will only be used for the purpose of COVID-19 contact tracing.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell