7 May 2008
Group Optimistic Station Will Be Restored
Frederiction New Brunswick - The bottle exchange next to
the rundown historic York Street Train Station is moving out this summer as work continues to secure a commercial project for the site.
The move has advocates who want to see the station restored to its former glory optimistic that things are on the right track.
In recent weeks, they've also learned that Enterprise Fredericton is preparing an updated study of the cost to renovate the station
built in 1923.
"I think any development like this is promising. It's nice to see some activity going on," said Steve Boyko, a director with
Fredericton Friends of the Railway Inc.
"This is a historic building of importance to many Frederictonians... We look forward to any resolution that would make it usable
again."
David McCarthy, acting manager of the bottle exchange, confirmed the Southside Redemption Centre will be moving to 70 Timothy Ave. off
Hanwell Road this summer. A building is being built at that location in the industrial park south of the Trans-Canada
Highway.
The bottle exchange was provided with six months notice by the landowner, J.D. Irving Ltd. last summer. In mid November, it asked for
and received an extension until June 2008.
"This is part of our ongoing efforts to secure a commercial development for this area," said J.D. Irving spokeswoman Mary
Keith.
The bottle exchange has been identified as one of the hurdles in attracting a development for the property.
Refurbishing the station that turns 85 in December has been tied to development of a commercial project.
Irving estimates it might cost up to $2 million to bring the heritage site up to the structural and architectural standards expected by
Heritage Canada.
Those who want the train station rescued from its decrepit state are greeting the news with hopefulness.
Boyko said it's his group's understanding the building can be saved.
"Certainly the roof looks terrible, but I've been told that structurally it is sound."
Enterprise Fredericton is trying to find a solution. The community economic development organization has undertaken a study to
determine the cost of converting the building.
The station's decrepit state has become a point of public consternation.
Doug Motty of Enterprise Fredericton said the organization wants to paint a better picture of the costs potential investors may have to
consider.
"There's been a lot of discussion around the train station and a lot of people have interest in it, so we thought we'd have a look
at the costing around the refurbishment," Motty said.
Estimates have ranged from $1.3 million to $2 million.
"Before you can go and talk to anyone about potential participation, you have to have some solid numbers. That's what we're
doing," Motty said.
Motty visited the station last month with a representative of J.D. Irving and an engineering firm.
Liz Burge, president of the Fredericton Heritage Trust, said her organization has stepped back to let Enterprise Fredericton move
forward.
"We wish them well, going to be a very complex project," she said.
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