As of November 5, Ontario Northland bus users will arrive and wait for the bus by the Huntsville train station, which offers a covered area from the elements.
The move is part of a transportation hub being planned which is expected to include train service. Don’t forget, Ontario Northland extends a warm invitation to all residents seeking to learn more about the future Northlander service at our Community Connection Event taking place On October 26 at the Active Living Centre from 12 to 4 p.m.
Attendees will have an opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the design and amenities of this future passenger rail service, according to Ontario Northland.
The bus stop would be located at 60 Station Rd. right by the entrance to the train station. According to updated information, Councillor Bob Stone said staff are going to provide a bench and they’re looking into the addition of a bus shelter.
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This is an important question. Will the again-relocated bus stop be at the building or not? The article says: “bus users will arrive and wait for the bus by the Huntsville train station, which offers a covered area from the elements” and the commenter heard at a public meeting: “People will be picked up on Main St W, at Station Rd but not at the actual station.” Better if at the building but either way, no indoor shelter, no public toilet.
My wish is for decision-making folks to actually take the bus on a dark cold winter night, the one which arrives/departs at 3:21am, to know how it feels. Then they’d know the value of indoor shelter and an actual transport terminal. The process of addressing public transit has not been serious enough to make a difference to the overwhelming majority who default to private automobile transportation.
Kathy Kay: I have difficulty with your comment, where you state “The building is there———-(to) mutually worked out.” Especially the “spent a fortune part”.
The station benefitted from a lot of donated time and materials when it was refurbished. The town then could and did repair the crushed drainage tiles, to the tune of some $100,000.00 plus dollars. That put an end to the flooding basement. The then mayor and council didn’t want the responsibility of maintaining the building, and though a couple of local groups did use the station, it was dumped for a toonie. Good deal!!! I can only imagine what the “worked out” amount will be to use the station now (if the town goes that way) since this ‘fortune’ has been spent on it. Keeping in mind the ridiculous costs involved with a simple ‘two-holer.
I drive down around the old building from time to time, and nothing more seems to be taking place. Oh, there have been sporadic efforts to use it for something, but as of yet, nothing has taken hold. Today when I swung past, the eavestroughs are leaking profusely. Questionable maintenance?
So the “spent a fortune” doesn’t ring true to me. Is the “fortune” you speak of one that I might consider to be such (five hundred to a thousand), or a Warren Buffet fortune (just pick a number)? I don’t expect a reply to that. But maybe somebody is just talking, putting a shuck on us.
In one of the letters I sent to the town ( Aug and Sept. 2017) , I wrote “With this toonie touch, the past has little future in Huntsville.” In reference to the Huntsville sign that says “Touch the Past. Embrace the Future” as it existed back then.
I still feel that way.
A great idea to put all the transportation back in one place. Who knows, maybe even a marine ferry type service can be reestablished like it was 100 years ago.
The steep road down to the station from Main street is a bit of a down side, but there is an alternate and nearly level way in and out if this proves to be a big issue.
To make good use of this set of services what will be needed is some substantial amount of safe parking for private cars for short term, like a few days at a time, so that the people can leave their cars without worry at the station while they use the train or bus to go a longer distance. This will be a key to success and should not be ignored.
I believe Doppler should be clarifying exactly where the bus stop is. I attended the Northland info session at the active living centre today and the bus is NOT going to the station! People will be picked up on Main St W, at Station Rd but not at the actual station.
I’m sure there are ongoing discussions with the building owners, who, by the way, spent a fortune repairing the building when the town wouldn’t/couldn’t. Let’s give them a chance, and some respectful negotiations and I’m sure something can be mutually worked out. The building is there, it’s solid, it has the physical potential to accommodate folks as a transit hub. It’s not a simple thing – many times the public aren’t particularly respectful of public spaces, dropping litter, misusing facilities, etc. Ask any contractor who must clean up public washrooms, or spaces. The station is somewhat isolated from the public eye most of the day, just busy when a bus is coming or going, or when a train is coming or going, and some people think it’s okay to do stuff “out of sight”. I’m looking forward to making use of public transit more often so I do hope something will be worked out.
What a GREAT IDEA!!!!!!
One of the finest train stations in Ontario- the beautiful Huntsville large Waterfront Brick Train Station, was ‘sold’ for $2.00 – yes Two Dollars!
Now, starting in Nov., passengers (on buses) aren’t allowed to wait inside
out of the cold! (Or use washrooms?)
Another example of previous shortsighted, financially irresponsible decisions by this town.
How much is Huntsville going to have to pay to the new owners for use.?
Wasteful.