Elgin County Railway Museum announces temporary closure

The Elgin County Railway Museum announced Wednesday it would be temporarily closing, with no reopening date in sight. Lauren Stallone reports.

The Elgin County Railway Museum in St. Thomas announced Wednesday afternoon it would be temporarily closing, with no reopening date in sight.

“The main reason behind that is just to do with building issues in the restricted or non-public areas,” said Scott Sleightholm, president of the Railworks Coalition.

The coalition acknowledges the closure may come as a shock to the community, especially after the museum recently wrapped up its annual Christmas Tree Spectacular event.

“We just finished one of our biggest events but to be honest with you, this has become the centre of St. Thomas,” said Will Zufelt, CEO of the Railworks Coalition.

Beyond preserving railway history, the museum has also served as a community hub where residents gather to celebrate milestones and host private events.

“The support has been unwavering and the heritage here,” said Sleightholm. “Its undeniable.”

While the coalition describes the closure as a difficult decision, it says it was necessary to keep the museum on track for the future.

Sleightholm notes concerns include aging windows and ongoing roof issues, adding the closure provides an opportunity to assess the building.

“This is our history, this is where we started,” said Zulfelt. “This is where we are at today and tomorrow, we start moving forward.”

Further updates are expected in the spring as planning continues, and more information becomes available.