NEW GLASGOW
A passenger train could be running through New Glasgow again.
New Glasgow council has approved the concept of a community train – that runs on roads and trails – and gave staff permission to explore the idea further.
Geralyn MacDonald of the Town of New Glasgow brought the proposal to council earlier this week after attending a Ambassatour’s Gray Lines event in June where there was a presentation on community trains similar to the one that currently runs in Tatamagouche.
In her recommendation to council, MacDonald said community trains can draw people into town which would in turn benefit local businesses and festivals.
It is proposed that the community train could begin at the start of the historical Samson Trail and run alongside it until it reached the Museum of Industry. The train could also be used for the town’s festivals and events and the route could be expanded outside the trails and downtown.
As an example, Tatamagouche started its train in 2016 and currently carries 16,000 passengers over a two-month period in the summer. The village has a population of only 2,000 so it is evident the train not only attracts tourists but residents from neighbouring communities.
She said the train would also be a community asset because it gives people with mobility issues an innovative way to get outdoors and use the local trail system.
The town is looking to partner with the Museum of Industry and other stakeholders to prepare the route and work on a community plan that includes forming a train society.
It is estimated that the cost of the train would be $105,000 which would be purchased or leased from Halifax. It could run between May and October be stored in the winter.
It is possible the train society would handle operating and sustaining the train through donations and sponsorships.
