The Courtenay Rotary Club is on track for the next phase of the Rotary Trail project, an initiative that has been building the recreational walking trail adjacent to the railway tracks.
“Restoration of the Courtenay Train Station is a significant extension of this project,” says Courtenay Rotarian Art Meyers, who is overseeing the project. “The $30,000 donation from our club is being supplemented by local businesses with donated building materials, equipment and labour, which help to keep the costs down.”
"Meetings between the Island Corridor Foundation, Rotary Club of Courtenay, Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise, and the Courtenay Heritage Commission have already taken place to get the initial work underway,” says building project manager Rod Hunter, also a member of the Courtenay Rotary Club. “The first stage of the building project is to restore the roof to ensure that the building is dry for the winter and ready for further renovations.”
In preparation for roof work, the upper gable area has been power washed, scraped and painted and new fascia board, gutters and downspouts are ready to be installed. A new metal shake roof will be added which will see the building ready for winter and further renovations.
The timeline for completion of the project will depend on the decisions reached by the design and implementation committee, which will determine the direction and schedule for the remaining renovations.
The Courtenay Train Station off Cumberland Road, was recognized as a heritage site in 2002. In its day, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway delivered passengers, mail, equipment and livestock to the area, and although another train station was intended for Campbell River, the Courtenay station remained the last stop for northbound travel by rail.
The long-range plan is to return the building to its former glory to commemorate the building’s 100th anniversary in 2014, a prelude to the City of Courtenay’s centennial celebrations in 2015.
The Courtenay Rotary Club would like to thank local businesses that have contributed donations, materials, services and assistance including Slegg Lumber, Western One Rentals, Coastal Home Improvement, Got Gutters, Ironwood Shake and Tile, and the Young Professionals of the Comox Valley.
Further updates on the renovations will be provided as the project progresses. Those wishing to donate to the project or request more information are invited to contact Art Meyers at 250-207-1879 or Rod Hunter at 250-702-6848.
— Courtenay Rotary Club