By Staff
January 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
After years of really hard work, incredible dedication the city has finally done the right thing with the Friends of Freeman Station.
The station got moved less than 100 yards from where it was rotting to its new home beside the Fire Station HQ in Plains Road. It was citizen initiative that made it possible.
When it became evident the city administration couldn’t find a way to save the station, they weren’t even able to sell the structure for kindling, the Friends of Freeman was formed and, due to the efforts of two Council members – Blair Lancaster and Marianne Meed Ward, they were given the time to come back to Council with a solution.
The collection of equipment related to railways that will be housed at the Freeman Station grows regularly. Telephone used by the station master.
There are a couple of council members who should be hanging their heads in shame – hopefully they will have the grace to not show up when the place is fully operational and the ribbon is cut.
At a budget committee last week council approved a $50,000 grant to Friends of Freeman Station to be matched by $50,000 in fundraising to complete the final stages of Regional water hookup, after a long time sponsor could no longer contribute free services.
Over time the Freeman Station will become a destination and the tens of thousands of model railway types will flock to the city. Tourism will benefit significantly.
The city has contributed $50,000 – Freeman Friends now have to raise an additional $50,00 – get your cheque book out.
