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CRR_Panel11-12_rnd2 THEY KEPT COMING The Canadian Pacific Railway was the fourth rail company to construct its rail line in Cobourg. As a latecomer to the railway scene it enjoyed few alternatives for its transit through town. The route chosen was in close proximity to the GTR/CNR line with construction beginning in 1912. Just like its railway rivals, the CPR constructed a large brick and stone station, as each rail line attempted to outdo the other in the grandeur of its passenger facilities. On each end of the CPR edifice was a covered portico which visually elongated the station and suggested an imperial presence. The station and the mainline officially opened for public service in June 1914. In Cobourg the CPR never enjoyed much business beyond its passenger service and by the mid-1970s had divested itself even of this, and the station was soon torn down. The freight shed now serves the public as a privately owned recycling enterprise while freight trains continue to use the CPR line through Cobourg as an integral part of its transcontinental rail network. Material prepared by Ted Rafuse. Design provided by Steve Smiley, RGD, Quench Design & Communications, Port Hope. THE PACIFIC RAILWAY JUST PASSING THROUGH CANADIAN COBOURG CPR STATION Credit: Dave Savage Collection - Collection of Ted Rafuse All three transcontinental railways erected new stations in Cobourg in the three years between 1911 and 1914. The Canadian Pacific Railway version had similar characteristics to its contemporaries: cut stone below a stone wainscoting, brick walls above, hallmark upper nine pane windows and a flowing roof line accentuated with a two storey bay window and on either end a covered portico with lacy wooden support columns. This image was taken shortly prior to the station being demolished in the mid 1970s. This photo (above) features the new, 1911 erected, Cobourg Grand Trunk Railway Station. This station still stands a century later and still is in use for its intended purpose, attending to the needs of the rail traveling public as the town's VIA station. In the background is the CPR station, also newly erected. Credit: Ted Rafuse March 16, 2012 Credit: Ted Rafuse November 30, 2011 This 1919 postcard view of the CPR station in Cobourg provides an aerial view of the area. To the south is undeveloped land currently occupied by a business plaza. Credit: Library & Archives Canada PA-030348 A westbound CPR locomotive #8959 (below) splits the warning signals and protective cross arms at the top of George Street on a gray November afternoon. Little evidence remains today of CPR's former presence in Cobourg. The CPR station stood approximately where the clump of trees stand to the right side of the CP locomotive (above).