At one time, Prince Edward Island had 121 railway stations along a little more than 250 miles of track, and Elmira was the eastern terminus. With the closure of the Elmira station in 1972, the site evolved to become the Elmira Railway Museum, and for more than 25 years it has preserved the province's rich railroading history. Today, the Friends of Elmira Railway Museum celebrated the completion of enhancements to the site which will help to attract more visitors to the area.
Visitors can move more freely in an enlarged administrative building which now accommodates an expanded gift shop and a small building has been constructed to increase the museum's display space. The site grounds which are connected to the Confederation Trail have been rejuvenated with the addition of an outdoor stage, picnic facilities, a boardwalk, landscaping, bicycle rentals and a canteen, "Track's End Takeout."
"The Elmira Railway Museum is yet another treasure that exists in eastern Prince Edward Island. I am pleased that the Government of Canada has been able to assist the group of dedicated community volunteers who are working to ensure the Museum's long-term success," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
The Friends of Elmira Railway Museum received a $71,782 contribution through the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring (CFAR) initiative which is cost-shared by the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island at an 80:20 ratio. As well, HRDC contributed $49,248, and the PEI Department of Development and Technology contributed $44,000 through the Community Development Fund.
"The development and enhancement of eco-tourism opportunities continues to be a high priority for our government," said Andy Mooney, MLA for Souris-Elmira, on behalf of the Provincial Government. "The Elmira Railway Museum is very important to the tourism economy of Eastern Kings County and fits in quite nicely with what we are trying to offer those Islanders and tourists looking to experience the history and natural beauty of our province."
"We are happy to have completed phase one of our project," said Garry MacDonald, President of the Friends of Elmira Railway Museum. "We thank our funders very much for their support, and we are eagerly anticipating the start up of phase two. As you know these upgrades will be of great benefit to our local area."
Visitors are welcome at the Elmira Railway Museum from mid-June to mid-September annually.