Media Release (October 24, 2019) The Town will be moving forward on recommendations to divide the CN 6218 Steam Engine repair project between short-term necessary repairs and long-term additions to the display.

“CN Steam Engine 6218 is a historical landmark in Fort Erie. It represents our past as a major railway centre in Canada, employing generations of local residents who helped to build our community. The Town of Fort Erie committed to protect this valuable part of our heritage for future residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

In 2016, Town Council began planning for the future of the steam engine. Following an extensive study, Town Council approved a repair project in 2017, which was broken down into three stages:

• Stage 1 – Repair the engine
• Stage 2 – Install a covering over the engine and caboose
• Stage 3 – Fabricate and install a jacket on the engine

Stage 1 was completed in 2018 to prevent any further deterioration to the steam engine. The total project spend was $99,115.

“The caboose is the final large asset needing repair work at the Fort Erie Railway Museum site. The poor condition of the caboose takes away from the aesthetics of the site and it is a frequent source of vandalism,” said Jane Davies, manager, museums and culture services.

In a report to Council, staff recommended repairing the caboose next year by using funds currently budgeted for the CN 6218 repair project and by deferring Stage 2 and 3 until future provincial and federal funds become available. The estimated cost to repair the caboose is $175,000. Staff estimates the repairs will be completed by the end of 2020.

In addition to repairing the caboose, the Town will be implementing an ongoing painting program. The painting program will include regular painting of the steam engine every four years ($11,250 per year) and the caboose every three years ($667 per year). The painting program will effectively protect the steam engine and caboose from the elements until future provincial or federal funds become available to erect a cover. A cover would cost approximately $390,000, with an additional $16,000 in miscellaneous costs such as storm system upgrades and a topographical land survey.

For more information, please contact Jane Davies, manager, museums and cultural services, at jdavies@forterie.ca or 905-871-1600, ext. 3601.

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