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PRESENTATION CONCERNING RESTORATION AND DONATION OF HISTORIC TRAIN ENGINE 1531
Stephannie Schlichter, Director of Economic of Creative Development and Amanda Dyke, Culture Officer (Development) provided a presentation concerning the restoration and donation of Historic Train Engine 1531.
Ms. Schlichter discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• Council’s direction to consult with the Committee concerning relocation of Historic Train Engine 1531;
• A project overview of Engine 1531;
• The current status of Engine 1531;
• The municipalities relationship with the Simcoe County Museum;
• The challenges and considerations for the Simcoe County Museum related to the train;
• The options of restoring versus donating Engine 1531 to the Simcoe County Museum;
• The Allandale Station and Southshore Park locations;
• The impacts on Heritage Tourism;
• A preliminary cost benefit analysis associated with Engine 1531; and
• Staff’s recommendation to donate Engine 1531 to the Simcoe County Museum.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of Ms. Schlichter and Ms. Dyke and received responses.
The Committee discussed the costs and benefits associated with restoring versus donating Engine 1531 to the Simcoe County Museum. They agreed that locating the train at the Museum would provide more educational opportunities for the public. The Committee discussed potential safety and security concerns related to the train being relocated to the City versus the Simcoe County Museum.
The Committee agreed with staff’s recommendation in Staff Report ECD004-21 presented to General Committee on September 13, 2021, to restore and donate the Historic Train Engine 1531 to the Simcoe County Museum. They also recommended that a historic train exhibit or display be erected in the vicinity of Allandale Station to recognize the significance of railway history in Barrie.