The new color scheme matches the former Grand Trunk rail line that operated until the 1920s
The Craigleith Heritage Depot museum and library has reopened after a six-month renovation.
Opened in 1886 as a rail station and stopping on the Grand Trunk Rail Line, the depot is also a big part of ski industry history as the trains that stopped there brought tourists from Toronto every Sunday for a day of skiing at Blue Mountain.
Part of the recent renovations brought the building back to the two-toned color scheme used for the Grand Trunk. There were also major repairs done to the building.
Funding for the work included $406,250 from the investing in Canada’s infrastructure fund community, culture and recreation funding streams from the federal and provincial governments. The Blue Mountains Public Library also received Ontario Trillium Foundation money from the resilient communities fund to convert the LE Shore Library gallery and boardroom to allow for broadcasting of events, allowing in-person and virtual attendance and participation in presentations going forward.
Sabrina Saunders, CEO of the Blue Mountains Public Library said the grants help the library to accomplish its motto of connect, explore and create
“The hybridization of our two meeting spaces … has been a game-changer for us,” said Saunders in a news release. “We even run a children’s program where the speakers are off-site. This technology can open the world of presenters to our community.”
During the grand re-opening on June 23, Major Andrea Matrosovs said the renovations brought the Craigleith Station back in time.
“So many have commented on how good the museum looks. Many have said they were not aware the colors selected were original to the building as our community has no living memory of the Grand Trunk line, which stopped operations in the 1920’s,” said Saunders, acknowledging the mayor’s observations.
