24 February 2006
Train Station on "Most Endangered" Buildings List
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In 2000, J.D. Irving, Limited submitted plans showing the old station
rebuilt alongside a proposed office complex. This picure was taken
20 Aug 2003.
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Fredericton - A national heritage group has bestowed a dubious honor on Fredericton, naming
the city's old York Street railway station to its top ten list of "most endangered" places in the country.
Natalie Bull, executive director of the Heritage Canada Foundation, visited Fredericton a few months ago, and couldn't believe the state
of the old railway station downtown.
Bull said the station, built in 1923, is one of the last remaining brick buildings of its kind in New Brunswick. It's also a nationally
designated and protected property.
From 20 Aug 2003: Old train station falls into disrepair
She said it's obvious that public policies to protect our cultural heritage aren't working.
"If a community like Fredericton could put in place a heritage-first policy that promotes the use of existing
buildings, rather than building new, or if governments would consider leasing historic buildings before considering leasing new
buildings, that would create a demand for that kind of building," she said.
Fredericton's mayor says all of that sounds good, but Brad Woodside said the York Street Station is private property, and the city
can't force the owners to repair it.
"There is still hope but there has to be some movement on the side of the property owner, he said."
J.D. Irving, Limited owns the train station and the property surrounding it. Woodside said he has tried negotiating with the company,
and a local businessman was even prepared to buy the station and refurbish it, at one point. But so far the the
Irving-owned company have been unwilling to make a deal.
No one from Irving was available to comment.
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