New train station announced for North Bay’s waterfront heritage attraction

North Bay’s heritage mini train, a waterfront attraction that has delighted families for more than 30 years, is getting a new $1 million rail station.

A fixture of North Bay’s waterfront is set to undergo a significant transformation, with plans unveiled for a new train station at the site of the popular miniature railway and carousel. The project, expected to be completed by spring 2028, promises to modernize the attraction while preserving its nostalgic charm.

For more than three decades, the heritage train and adjacent carousels have drawn families and tourists to the shoreline, creating memories across generations.

Don Coutts, the treasurer of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company, explained to CTV News the emotional connection riders share with the attraction.

“It spreads to us and we try to spread the joy to them as well,” he said.

Redpath Mining station to anchor upgraded site

The centrepiece of the facelift will be a new $1-million platform constructed along the train loop, to be named the ‘Redpath Mining Heritage Train Station.’

David Hansman, senior vice president of Redpath Mining Inc., gave details about the deep historical ties between his company, the railway and the region.

“The Redpath organization has been in North Bay since 1969 and has been a proud community partner throughout that time,” he said.

Hansman also noted that railways and mining have been linked in the area since silver was discovered in Cobalt in 1903, during the construction of the T&NO railway.

“Redpath first became involved with the Heritage Rail group when the former CPR station was rebuilt to house the North Bay Museum,” he said.

Hansman added that the company later provided resources to help procure tracks for the miniature train at the waterfront.

“That tradition continues with Redpath’s involvement with this latest initiative - our new station,” he said.

Hansman also issued a call for broader community support.

“We hope that our support will encourage other businesses, groups and individuals to participate in this fundraising campaign, which will lead to (the) construction of the station.”

Other donors cover half the costs

Half of the project’s projected cost has already been covered through business and individual donations, including a $50,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of North Bay.

“The North Bay Rotary club was pleased to be on hand for the formal announcement about the Caboose set to be replaced by a new station as the Heritage Railway undergoes a major facelift,” the club wrote on Facebook over the weekend.

The upgraded station will feature three sections, including space for administration, tickets, souvenirs and kiosks. One section is designed to replicate the atmosphere of an old train station.

Coutts said that reclaimed materials will add to the historic feel.

“We were able to get some church pews from the church in Temagami, which was concentrated back last year,” he said.

New chapter

The heritage railway company first opened on July 29, 1994, purchasing a steam engine, a diesel engine and two coaches. Volunteers later refurbished, sandblasted and painted the equipment.

Today, three trains operate alongside two nearby carousels, attracting thousands of families every year.

“We call it the third-generation families and kids who first rode it in ’94 and ’95. They are now parents and pushing to grandparents. They’ve got their kids or grandkids riding with them,” Coutts said.

Local tourism officials also welcomed the development.

Tanya Bedard, executive director of Tourism North Bay, expressed optimism about the project’s potential.

“It’s very exciting to see the train station project starting to take shape,” Bedard wrote to CTV News on Monday afternoon.

“We look forward to continue working with the North Bay Heritage Railway and Carousel Board of Directors and volunteers on promoting these attractions and encouraging visitors to experience the history and magic that they bring to the North Bay Downtown & Waterfront District.”

Construction of the new rail station is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2027, with completion set in time to launch on Victoria Day 2028.