THUNDER BAY -- An old train might be better off in a home where people can care for it city administration says.
A 1929 CN caboose has been at home on Prince Arthur's Landing for 25 years. But with no one to look after it, needing to be moved and in need of restoration, the city doesn't have room in its budget for staff and resources to do the job.
But the Silver Mountain and Area Historical Society said it will take the caboose off the city's hands, transport it to Nolalu's Silver Mountain Station, restore the train and turn it into a museum honouring the history of the Port Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway that used to pass through the area.
"We want to see it preserved and not discarded," group co-president Dave Battistel said.
"We're fairly confident we can get it out there."
Some on council wondered whether giving the caboose away might hinder others from donating to the city in the future. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick said in the future council should think about adopting sustainability plans before things like the caboose, which started with good intentions but was abandoned, end up in the city's hands.
Others wondered whether there might be other groups out there that also want the caboose, which is why an expression of interest will now be sent out.
