Belleville’s historic former train station, (File photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Six years after Belleville’s new Via Rail Station opened, the old historic station remains closed, without a tenant.
The historic Belleville train station opened 162 years ago, in 1856.
For the past few years Via Rail has been “actively working” with potential tenants but there is no sign of anyone signing on the dotted line.
Last year, Councillor Mitch Panciuk put forward the idea of having the old station be a showplace for some material from Glanmore National Historic House.
He pointed out the historic train station in Kingston had been torn down, and didn’t want that to happen with Belleville’s station.
Via Rail Canada spokesperson Mylene Belanger tells Quinte News this week that “discussions were held with potential tenants”.
It seems they were not successful.
Belanger said “We are open to any suggestions that will use the station to the best interest of the community.”
She went on to say, “Our wish is that this important heritage station once again become a destination for all Belleville residents.”
