Canadian National (CN) Rail is moving ahead with plans to demolish a historic railway station in Saskatchewan. The Humboldt Railway Station has stood as a landmark in the community since 1905. It’s been vacant since the 1980s, after passenger rail service ended. Mayor Rob Muench said the building has since deteriorated, developing structural issues, water damage and a rat infestation. In the spring, the city asked CN to remove the building. “It’s in a state of disrepair. They put a fence up around it recently just to keep people away because it is a safety hazard. It’s literally falling down,” Muench told CTV News. Because the station has federal heritage status, CN can’t simply tear it down. The company plans to apply to the federal government for permission to demolish the station on Aug. 12, according to a notice attached to the fence surrounding the property. Once the application is filed, the public will have 60 days to submit written objections before any demolition can proceed. Muench said about 15 years ago, the city explored options to preserve the station — including turning it into a museum or restaurant. He said restoring the building was estimated to cost $1 million. “From the city’s point of view, it wasn’t worthwhile to put the money in to save it,” he said. The mayor added the city looked for a private buyer to restore and repurpose the station, but there were “no takers.” Those who oppose the demolition must submit a written notice of objection to the federal minister of Environment and Climate Change.
