In the afternoon of December 17th, residents and railway workers safely gathered to see off the last train roll down the track from Orangeville to Brampton.
After regular service began in September of 1871, the track became a important part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
A stagecoach transported visitors and business people to and from the railway station on Mill Street and the hotels and businesses along Broadway.
Unfortunately, Passenger service to Orangeville ended in 1971, exactly 100 years after it began.
Back 1995, The rail line became known as the Orangeville-Brampton Railway, after the Canadian Pacific Railway abandoned it.
The short-line operator, Cando Contracting Ltd., provided regular freight service for the industries along the line and used the line for a tourist train until a few years ago, when GIO Railways Corporation took it over.
“The Town appreciates the role our railway partners have played in keeping the service active for the past 21 years, servicing a need for several local industries, however, the business case was no longer there for a small municipality to keep the rail line active” said Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown.
About a year ago, the Orangeville Brampton Rail Access Group provided notice that it would terminate its agreement with the Orangeville Railway Development Corporation and GIO, effective December 31st.
“The line played an important role in the history of Orangeville and the future will bring a new use with new owners. Thank you GIO, Cando, and OBRAG for providing a safe rail line and serving the community over the years.”
