The mission of reviving the Barry’s Bay Railway Station is gaining some steam.
At this morning’s council meeting at the Madawaska Valley Township Municipal Office, a group of volunteers called The Station Keepers presented a proposal that looks to liven up the station as of this May.
The spokesperson for the group, and former journalist and professor, Barry Conway, says the mission is to make it like the sign says “a culture and heritage centre”. He says “everyone in the community and beyond is interested in the stories of Barry’s Bay and that’s what we promised”.
He says there are 13 dedicated members in the group of volunteers thus far and they plan on putting on events and celebrations at the station every weekend starting in May. For example, on May 19th, the group wants to recognize the 125th anniversary of the first schoolhouse opening in Barry’s Bay.
Conway says the group promises to celebrate not only the past but the future of Barry’s Bay by having a rotating art gallery, having music and highlighting the Railway Museum (to name a few). He also says that they would be recording a live podcast about Barry’s Bay stories in order to demonstrate how history and culture are intertwined here. Conway states that people are interested. He says that he’s been to New York City and Philadelphia where he’s encountered people who have talked to him about the Railway Station. “It’s one of those cherished icons in the community and people from all over the world pass here on their way to Algonquin Park” he says.
The Station Keepers also want to form Station Keeper Clubs which will regroup residents who have similar interests such as walking, cooking and biking. All these stemming from home base, the station.
Later this month, the group will launch a membership drive which will have them sell annual memberships for $20 in order to support the group. These cards will give members discounts on their products Conway says and adds that it will grant every member free access to all of their events and clubs.
At council today, it was unanimous. Councillor Carl Bromwich said “this is very exciting” and Councillor Peplinski also showed his enthusiasm by stating “I have no doubt at all that this is going to be very successful”. Councillor Wilmer said “What you people have done is fantastic” and added, “ I look forward to getting one of the first memberships”. Unfortunately, Mayor Love was absent due to the recent passing of her father so Councillor Shulist was acting as deputy Mayor. He, along with CAO Sue Klatt, also exclaimed their approval on the project.
Anyone wishing to get more information or to join the group, please contact The Station Keepers at [email protected]