The Elgin County Railway Museum in St. Thomas has announced it will be closing for an indefinite period due to issues related to the building, as stated on Wednesday.
In a public letter shared on social media, museum representatives expressed that the choice to shut down was not easy, calling it a “difficult day for our organization” and an “even tougher day for our community.”
“The temporary closure is due to building-related issues located outside of public areas of the facility,” said the letter, which was co-signed by Scott Sleightholm and Wil Zufelt, president and CEO of Railworks Coalition, who manages the museum.
“While we move forward with addressing these concerns, the building will remain closed to the public, members, and volunteers. Limited staff access will only be allowed when essential,” they added.
Updates are expected in spring as plans progress and more details come to light, according to the letter.
In an interview, Zufelt mentioned that both the coalition and museum’s board decided to pause daily activities in order to develop long-term strategies for both the building and museum while tackling structural problems aimed at preserving it for future generations.
The museum usually closes after Christmas and reopens on Victoria Day; however, Zufelt indicated there isn’t a confirmed reopening date regarding this current closure.
“Right now, it’s about assessing the interior of the building. We’re examining factors like climate control, heating systems, structure integrity among others. It’s really about evaluating everything surrounding the building envelope,” Zufelt explained.
The historical 55,000 sq. ft. structure was built in 1913 and initially served as locomotive repair shops for Michigan Central Railroad-one of at least 26 railways that have operated through St. Thomas since 1856.
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The Elgin County Railway Museum reports over 27,000 attendees visited its third annual ‘Christmas Tree Spectacular’ during the holiday season. (Elgin County Railway Museum)
In their letter, Zufelt and Sleightholm clarified that these building-related issues are “outside of public areas,” ensuring there’s no impact on visitor safety.
“That would be on the restricted side-behind where trains are housed-areas that general visitors don’t access.. that’s where we need focus,” Zufelt told CBC News.
It’s unclear how long this closure might continue but Zufelt emphasized it’s just a temporary measure. He noted roughly 57,000 people visited last year with around 27,000 attending their annual Christmas tree event in November and December.
<p"We're reviewing how we're using all parts of our property right now,” he said. “The secondary plan will be discussed soon by City of St Thomas so this is an opportune time for us to step back and map out what lies ahead."
The museum along with its surroundings is part of Railway Lands Secondary Plan Study initiated by city last year aiming at revitalizing former railway lands which earned St. Thomas its title as “Railway City of Canada” over a century ago into housing due anticipated population growth reaching 79,500 by 2051.
The museum has been situated in this building since 1988 serving as a hub for preserving local railway history including notable events like when Jumbo-the elephant-was fatally struck by a train back in 1885 that made headlines worldwide.
Zufelt noted they hired an architectural firm last summer starting initial phases focused on improving their facility plans; further details regarding costs or timelines should emerge by end January.
“This building has life; it buzzes with activity right at heart of St Thomas,” added Zufelt. “It truly serves as one busy community center.”... The City of St. Thomas recognized this museum building as a heritage site under Ontario Heritage Act back in 2015. The number railways operating within city has diminished from peak numbers seen during early-1900s but still maintains identity referring itself proudly as “Railway City,” officially adopting name change since year two thousand seventeen.
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“This building has life; it buzzes with activity right at heart of St Thomas,” added Zufelt. “It truly serves as one busy community center.”... The City of St. Thomas recognized this museum building as a heritage site under Ontario Heritage Act back in 2015. The number railways operating within city has diminished from peak numbers seen during early-1900s but still maintains identity referring itself proudly as “Railway City,” officially adopting name change since year two thousand seventeen.
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