THUNDER BAY -- A caboose on the city’s waterfront will stay where it is thanks to the help of some historical volunteers.
A proposal from the Silver Mountain Historical Society came to council in May asking that the city consider giving the historic CN caboose to the society so it could become a museum at Silver Mountain. But the group withdrew its proposal last month fearing public backlash.
Instead council heard Monday from the Thunder Bay Railway Historical Society, which will restore the caboose and eventually open in during special events in its current location on Prince Arthur’s Landing.
“Although it looks bad on the outside, it really is in good shape,” society president Craig Symington said.
The group of around a dozen ex-railroad employees and historians will help restore the train.
“We’re anxious and we’d just like to get it done,” Symington said.
City manager Tim Commisso said the biggest issue is making sure the work complies with rules and regulations as it will be done by volunteers but still on city property.
The city and society will meet soon to work out the details. The society is also hoping to see the caboose along with other vehicles like the restored Brill buses as part of a transportation museum in the city.
