Acton Vale Railway Station gets federal funding

The Government of Canada is delivering infrastructure funding to the Acton Vale Railway Station (Grand Trunk) National Historic Site. This announcement was made by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to stimulate Canada’s economy.

“This project will help the Acton Vale Grand Trunk Railway Station remain a vibrant centre of community life,” said Minister Prentice. “In our Economic Action Plan, we recognize just how important history, heritage and tourism are to the economy, and the important role that our Cost-Sharing Program will play in support to local economies, as well as to the fabric of National Historic Sites.”

Through the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing up to $72 300 to support a conservation project at Acton Vale Railway Station (Grand Trunk) National Historic Site.

“We are very happy, particularly in the city’s 150th anniversary year, to receive support from the Government of Canada. This investment will restore a heritage building that is highly regarded by the people of Acton Vale, and appreciated by tourists and organizations that use the building,” said Pierre Dionne, director general of Acton Vale. “With these renovations, the station will remain the economic symbol of the region.”

Formed in 1853, the Grand Trunk Railway Company became part of the Canadian National Railway Company after the latter was created in 1919. It now functions as the town tourist office and exhibition centre.

Parks Canada’s Cost-Sharing Program, with a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada’s Economic Action Plan, reflects the government’s desire to support job creation by providing funding for conservation of national historic sites.