Rivers Train Station Restoration Project: EXCITING DAY FOR GTTG DRAW!

Rivers Train Station Restoration Project co-chairs Ralph Sprenger and Donna Morken load the 984 tickets sold (just 16 shy of the 1000!) into the draw drum.

VIA Rail passenger train arrives right on time for the draw!

A crowd gathers as passengers get on and off train ~ all awaiting the official draw ...

Happy VIA passenger Julie Matthies is delighted to make the draw ...

A most pleased and satisfied committee enjoys a cup of hot coffee in the stationette following the draw. Everyone is thrilled with the response and support given to The Great Train Trip Giveaway and the restoration project. Looking forward to presenting Mr. Basso with his ticket!

About The Project

MISSION

The Rivers Train Station Restoration Committee members are dedicated to the Restoration, Renovation & Rejuvenation of the Rivers Train Station to a viable property for heritage preservation and economic development. To ensure the Community & Area have an opportunity to Connect with the Past while creating a Vision for the Future.

HERITAGE

The station is a federally designated heritage site.

CANADA'S FIRST 'GREEN' HERITAGE STATION

The method of restoration will be carried out following the most environmentally efficient criteria making this Canada's first 'green' heritage train station!

FUNDING

Funding for restoration is being made possible through grants, corporate and individual support, as well as fundraising.

ONLY VIA RAIL BOARDING STATION IN WESTERN MANITOBA

VIA Rail Canada has sited Rivers as the only boarding station west of Portage la Prairie into eastern Saskatchewan, and between the north and south Manitoba borders.

RIVERS TRAIN STATION HISTORY TIMELINE

In 1907 Grand Trunk Pacific Railway depot, Rivers' first structure created a new skyline on the Manitoba prairies.
Simultaneously in 1907, the Grand Trunk Pacific trestle bridge at Rivers was constructed making it one of the longest of its kind in western Canada during those times.
Black Sunday, March 4, 1917 - Rivers' most disastrous fire in which the Grand Trunk Pacific depot fell prey to flames.
September 21, 1917 - a newly constructed railway depot was presented to the public with a station restaurant (The Beanery) and a waiting-room dance.
Early 1990's - Rivers Train Station eventually closes it's doors completely after a gradual decline in services. From a full service depot, to a whistle stop and back to a major boarding depot, VIA travelers continue to board or arrive at Rivers depot.
Late 1990's - Rivers Train Station is designated as a federal heritage site.
Fall 2006 - A committee is formed to save and restore the Rivers train station. Initiated by the Rivers/Daly Community Development Corporation, the Rivers Train Station Restoration Project committee's mission is to restore Rivers Train Station to a viable property for heritage preservation and economic development.
September 2008 - For the first time in memory, all trains east and westbound on the CN line through Rivers lay quiet for 24 hours as crews made significant upgrades to the trestle bridge at Rivers.
September 9, 2008 - The Rivers train 'stationette' officially opens after the closing of Brandon North station making Rivers the only boarding station in western Manitoba for VIA passengers traveling to points east and west. Close to 2,000 passengers board or arrive on VIA at the Rivers depot annually. VIA and the RTSRP committee anticipate those numbers to increase.
Present - the Rivers Train Station Restoration Project committee continues to work towards restoring the current train station building to be Canada's first 'green' heritage train station. The method of restoration will be carried out following the most environmentally efficient criteria. Funding for restoration is being made possible through grants, corporate and individual support, as well as fundraising. ALL BOARD!

EXCITING DAY FOR GTTG DRAW!

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RIVERS TRAIN STATION HISTORY TIMELINE