By Pepper Parr
May 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a time when the Friends of Freeman Station had to scrounge to get a couple of thousand dollars to take the next step.
Today, Council is going to consider a report that could see spending more than a million dollars to perhaps move the building.
This is a story that is going to take some time to explain in detail.
In the report that Council has the following options are on the table:
The saving of the Freeman Station happened because volunteers put their shoulders to the wheel. Now that the bureaucrats are getting their hands on it – who knows what will happen to the station.
Proposed Interim Solution:
Some of the people that saved the Freeman Station: hopefully they involves themselves in whatever decision is made.
Given the imminent dissolution of FOFS, an interim solution is imperative to ensure the continued operation, upkeep, and maintenance of Freeman Station. This interim solution includes having city staff assume immediate responsibility for the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of Freeman Station. This includes ensuring the safety and security of the premises, conducting essential maintenance tasks, and managing any ongoing commitments or contracts where possible.
Options Considered
The Future of Freeman Station (FOFS) is currently at a critical juncture, requiring decisions regarding its future. This report evaluates two potential options: keep Freeman Station in its current location or relocate the Station to another location on city- land. Each option presents distinct challenges and considerations that need to be addressed.
Option 1: Keep Freeman Station at 942 Brant Street
Items on site include, Freeman Station, train car shed, rail tracks, box car, caboose and decking. There are three Sea Containers on site which must be removed. It is unknown at this time what contents are within the containers and where/if they will be disposed/donated. The current zoning of the property is MXC, Mixed-Use Corridor Zone, therefore, a Community Institutional Use is permitted.
The City has two pathways forward if the Station were to remain at 942 Brant Street:
- City complete minimal renovations and site improvements for site to function as a community facility to be programmed by the community or the Museums.
- City complete substantial renovations and site improvements for the site to continue to operate as a museum.
The renovation was complete – all volunteer labour from people who put their hearts into the job.
In both pathways forward the site will require the City to submit planning applications. It should be noted that a requirement of approval will be the asphalt paving of the site to accommodate approximately 10 parking spaces.
If the Station is to remain at 942 Brant Street, there are several items from a property standpoint which should be noted:
- The site is Licensed from the property owner Solenis. The property owner must be agreeable to the improvements. If desired, the cost to purchase the land would be in addition to the costs outlined in the Staff have not discussed any changes to the current agreement with Solenis at this time.
- The site does not have vehicular ingress/egress, access to the site is shared with the Fire Station.
Option 1 (A): Convert Station into a community facility
In Consultation with Asset Management, renovations to be in compliance with a Community Institutional Use and planning applications will be required to receive an occupancy permit.
The Station has a maximum occupancy of 36. An occupancy of only 36 poses a challenge for its use. Community facilities typically require larger capacities to accommodate visitors and facilitate engaging experiences. Therefore, this limitation may need to be addressed through creative design solutions or alternative arrangements to maximize the station’s potential as a facility.
The Museum feels that there are opportunities for additional programming to be developed and delivered onsite. The subject matter and the important story that Freeman Stations talks about Burlington could be explored and experienced by the community through tours, community programming, events and family activities. The Museum could provide limited programming to small home school groups, youth groups and smaller interest groups.
Total initial capital investment to convert the Station into a programmable community facility use managed by the Burlington Museum is approximately $250,000.
The Operating Costs associated with this option will require an annual investment by City of approx. $30,000 in addition to staff resources estimated to be approx. 2 weekend PT positions, 2 PT educators, 1 part time maintenance position. Once again, these resource requirements would be spelled out through the 2025 Budget development process.
Option 1 (B): Convert Freeman Station into a museum
In addition to the site improvements and planning applications mentioned in Option 1 (A), the City will have to engage with Museums of Burlington and an external consultant to determine the necessary renovations required to meet applicable building code requirements for community facilities such as museums and safety standards. A cursory review by Asset Management indicated renovations may include structural repairs and accessibility upgrades.
A volunteer posing as the Station Master
The Station has a maximum occupancy of 36. An occupancy of only 36 poses a challenge for its use as a museum. This constraint may restrict the scope of exhibits, events, and educational programs that can be hosted within the space. Museums typically require larger capacities to accommodate visitors and facilitate engaging experiences. Therefore, this limitation may need to be addressed through creative design solutions or alternative arrangements to maximize the station’s potential as a museum.
Total initial capital investment to convert the Station into a Museum is approximately $1- 1.5 Million.
The Operating Costs associated with this option will require an annual investment by City of approx. $30,000 in addition to staff resources estimated to be approx. 2 weekend PT positions, 2 PT educators, 1 part time maintenance position. Once again, these resource requirements would be spelled out through the 2025 Budget development process.
Option 2: Move Freeman to City owned lands
Is there another ride in store for the Freeman Station? Details are sparse but there is something afoot.
Relocating Freeman Station to other City Owned land requires hiring a structural engineer to ensure the building’s integrity for the move. A full site plan and building permit process would be necessary along with the retention of qualified professionals to design foundations specific to the new location and connections to utilities. Duplicating the current foundation and basement adds to the complexity and cost. Transporting such a large and historically significant structure involves expenses like specialized contractors, permits, and overcoming logistical challenges such as highway overpasses and hydro line clearances. Additionally, potential costs for restoring the current site include removing the basement and restoring the land.
Option 2 (a): Move Station to Ireland House, 2168 Guelph Line
The $3.5 million price tag to move the Freeman Station to Ireland House should be enough to take that idea off the table.
Staff have performed a cursory inspection of the Ireland House site. If it is determined following a structural review of the Station that it can be moved, Ireland House has land to accommodate the structure to continue as a museum.
It is crucial to assess and potentially address any trees in the vicinity that may obstruct the relocation process. This could involve pruning, trimming, or even removing trees to create a clear path for transportation. Additionally, if any of the trees are deemed purebred and subject to protection regulations, additional costs may be incurred for measures such as creating protection zones.
The Museum feels that there are opportunities for additional programming to be developed and delivered onsite as occupancy would not be a barrier. These program opportunities could include, increased school trips, additional day camp programs and large-scale community events. Shared resources, staff and programming could reduce some costs.
Total initial Capital investment to relocate the Station to Ireland House is approximately $3-3.5 Million. In addition to this, Museums of Burlington would also require an operating budget to cover program and facility expenses in addition to resources to operate, maintain and offer programming in the space. These additional resource requirements would be further developed in a business case through the 2025 budget process if this option is preferred by Council.
Option 2 (b): Move Station to a City Park
In 2010, staff thoroughly examined options for relocating the Station, identifying numerous obstacles. They evaluated 16 locations against various criteria, shortlisting 5. However, the Council decided against pursuing any of them. Prior to 2010, over 20 other locations were also investigated. Staff now anticipate difficulty in identifying another suitable location for relocating Freeman Station. If this option is chosen, the base cost to move the Station to a proximate park will have similar financial implications as Ireland House minus the cost for duplicating the current foundation and basement.
The railway displays in the basement, paid for by a teacher’s association would be lost if the structure were removed.
This option would likely mean the retirement of the Station as a Museum.
Total investment to relocate the Station to a City Park is approximately $2 Million.
KISS!
What is all the hoopla about. There is a gem sitting there with all its attractions NOT open to the public for what 2 years because of city hall inertia. Keep the station where it is and fast track its re-opening in real time not political time warps.
Ken Brooks
Leave the station where it is as it is within sight of the original location on the CNR tracks and looks great to all the public for years to come. Many hours of love labor were donated to make this treasure as it is. You can move mountains for the High Rise contractors why can’t you (the council) do something good for the city and our history.
Burlington’s Committee of the Whole has tabled this item for its meeting on Monday, May 13 at 9:30am. The Freeman Station is agenda item #11.3.
Why is FOFS dissolving?
If the station must be moved the best location is Lakeshore Road opposite the Joseph Brant Museum. Lots of public exposure as part of the Waterfront Trail. Incorporate a Coffee Shop or Cafe similar to the Petit du Nord rail bike trail in Quebec. The exposure and usage would make it a tourist attraction.
I always thought it was a museum. Sure looks and operates like dozens of other small community museums in Canada. What’s wrong with some changes around the current site? Is this being over-complicated by city, building codes, etc.?
The Freeman Station is a real gem. I would hate to seen it relegated to becoming a mouldy museum piece rather than an active destination for tourists from near and afar.
Leave the Freeman Staion where it is and as it is.
Why does our Burlington City Council insist on looking for things to spend our Tax Dollars on? Just STOP! And leave Freeman Station alone.
Our City Council spent a huge amount of our money and time on renovations and changes to the “Joseph Brant Museum” and they ruined it! It no longer has any original Architecture, charm or history. This project went over budget and cost tax payers approximately $11.5 Million dollars and finally opened its doors in the Fall of 2019.
(This project took more than 10 years from conception to completion plus numerous tax dollars for City Staff).
Another Fail!!