The Station

Our station has not always been the way we know it today. Its size and the location of the stop has changed over the years.



In the 1920’s it is our understanding that the train stop was close to the curve east of the station. This is where the spur line was built for the mill. The stop being on the curve was considered a safety hazard, so it was moved further west.



In 1933 a request was made to the Canadian National Railways to supply a cinder platform. This request was denied because of the cost.



In 1935 steps and a chute were built leading down to a dock on the lakeshore near the east side of the station beach. CN was asked for assistance with the material. The campers built the cribs and filled then with rocks. Used boxcar decking was purchased and shipped down. The section crew did some of the work on the dock itself. The chute was about two feet wide, made from boxcar decking with ties on the side sides to keep things from falling off. Boxcars with lumber, etc. were spotted at the chute for ease of off-loading.



In 1936 the executive was given authority to do what they saw fit to secure a shelter. In 1937 a small shelter was put in place on the south side of the track. Much controversy ensued as to its location being too distant from the steps, chute and dock, also dangerous crossing over to the platform on the north side of the track. The platform and stop were ultimately moved to the present site.



In the early 1950’s several requests were made for a larger shelter which was finally accomplished in the latter 1950’s.



The biggest role the station played in the life of Ottermere was a meeting place. Almost everyone met at the station in the early days. There were only a very few people that came via Catherine and Pelican Pouch Lakes.

​

Mr. E.E. Hurley made a couple of horseshoe pitches to help while away the hours waiting for the Local. Ed Yerex used to run a pool for what time a train was going to arrive. If the latest time guessed went past, everyone could guess again.



You met the Friday night Camper’s Special just to see who came down and the saw the Sunday night Camper’s Special off just to see who was going home. Teenage girls even curled their hair to go meet the train. The teens gathered to meet the late train (somewhere around 11:30 p.m. in the 1960’s) just for something to do. There has probably been well over one million pounds of sunflower seeds consumed at the station; good thing the shells are biodegradable.



Being able to commute by train and visit at the station is a part of Ottermere that has slipped into history. Some never really knew that aspect of the lake, but for those who did, it is sadly missed.

When VIA took over the passenger service, they no longer maintained the building. It became the responsibility of the campers to keep it up if they so desired. The pride Ottermere takes in its surroundings is evident by the fine shape our station is in.



In 1982/83 a major work party took place and the station building was repaired, levelled and painted. In 1991 the roof was re-shingled. The efforts of the cottagers on the north side of the tracks in keeping the building clean and supplied with wood is ever appreciated by all those waiting for a late train.

​

The station is an integral part of the history of Ottermere. Even though its use has diminished over the years, the people of Ottermere have taken pride in preserving the dignity of this landmark.

​

(An Excerpt from the Ottermere Book)