MATHESON - The historic Matheson train station could soon have new life.
Ontario Northland put the building up for sale on Oct. 10. The posting closes today (Oct. 31).
Barb Cornthwaite has been leading community efforts to save the building, which dates back to 1916. She told TimminsToday she knows of one potential buyer has expressed interest in developing the property into office spaces while preserving the heritage of the site. She said she helped the potential buyer prepare their proposal.
“It feels like the last push,” she said.
“It’s hard to just put it into somebody else’s hands and not try to micromanage everything, and to just have faith that it is going to happen. This prospective buyer has been in touch with Ontario Northland as well, so that’s positive.”
In an email to TimminsToday, Nicholas Tibollo, media relations lead for Ontario Northland, said "the proposed sale of the station would include the building itself, but not the sale of the land."
"Due to the proximity to railway operations, there are restrictions for use," he wrote.
"Ontario Northland is progressing plans to launch the new era of the Northlander service, which will include a stop in Matheson with a new shelter."
The Friends of Matheson Railway Station have been advocating since last year to preserve the building, which was once slated for demolition to make way for a new platform as part of Ontario Northland’s plan to restore passenger rail service in northeastern Ontario.
In July, Ontario Northland and the province confirmed the building would remain standing, with the new accessible platform to be built elsewhere on the property.
SEE: Historic Matheson train station saved from demolition
Cornthwaite said that while the preservation group is no longer directly involved in the sale, members remain optimistic.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point, but it does feel like this could be a very positive resolution to our efforts,” she said.
“What’s tricky is that we’re kind of out of the picture now — we’re not the buyer at all — but we’re still working behind the scenes.”
Still, she added, their commitment to the building’s preservation remains firm.
“If they decide they’re going to demolish it, we will be there holding hands around the building, singing Kumbaya,” she said.
“We are determined that this very important historical building is preserved for the next generation.”