During its regular meeting on February 22, Russell Township Council voted to approve the proposed restoration of the Embrun Train Station. In addition, it was clarified that the train station will be kept in Russell and not be sold to the municipality of North Stormont. Funds set aside for moving the train station, an amount close to $9000 according to council, will be used instead to fund the township’s portion of Phase 1 of the restoration. The township has already received a $10,000 donation and several letters from community organizations and businesses in support of the project.
The proposal is to “transform the Embrun train station into something that is a benefit to the community and something we can be proud of; display it with respect and dignity.” Phase 1 proposes to repair and highlight the exterior of the station, and Phase 2 proposes to do structural repairs so the interior can be repurposed for a new use.
Since the last presentation, several consultations have been done with potential suppliers and business partners, and a streetscape report was done to find ways to incorporate the restoration into the wider plan for the municipality. The report recommended signage be posted at the New York Central Fitness Trail to point out the train station to visitors.
