Train group contemplates resuming heritage railway
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A group called the Railroad Equipment Restoration Association (RERA) Canada says it is working on acquiring the assets of the York Durham Heritage Railway (YDHR) with a view to possibly restarting the railway, either in Uxbridge "or another suitable location."
Locomotive #3612, previously owned by York-Durham Heritage Railway, was procured by RERA and has been rewired, had the governor replaced, and “further work is currently being done to bring it into operating state.” Cosmos file photo
In an announcement made in the middle of December, RERA said both it and its American-based parent are in discussions with the Township of Uxbridge, Metrolinx and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation about bringing some form of a rail operation back to life. RERA said it hopes to announce this Spring where and when the railway will start up.
Replying to questions from the Cosmos, RERA general manager Dan Risebrough-Barnes said that, despite Uxbridge’s decision not to issue a Request for Proposals for a rail operator to replace YDHR, significant strides have been made by RERA in restoring and maintaining rolling stock that the outfit recently acquired from YDHR's bankruptcy trustee, including three locomotives and various rail cars. Risebrough-Barnes said RERA has brought locomotive #22 up to normal operating standards, #3612 has been rewired and had the governor replaced, and further work is currently being done to bring it into operating state. Other rolling stock is also being restored, he said, and "a complete restoration is planned, funding permitted." Two heavily vandalized and irreparable cars have been offered to other heritage and preservation organizations for parts or scrapping.
"RERA and RERA Canada remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of our rail assets," Risebrough-Barnes said. "We will continue to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful restoration and operation of these historic locomotives and rail cars."
Asked about Metrolinx's announcement that substantial changes would be implemented to the liability and obligations of the Township, including fleet acceptance requirements for a rail operator, Risebrough-Barnes said the fleet operating specs refer to operating on Metrolinx main trackage and are not applicable to RERA because it does not plan to operate on the main trackage. He added that RERA meets the requirements to become a licensed Ontario short-line operator as regulated by the MTO and Transport Canada.
The Cosmos also asked if RERA would be taking on the liability and obligations that the Township indicated it could not take on. The general manager said short-line operators are required to have $10 million in liability insurance and "RERA Canada can meet this obligation. The remaining obligations requested are not outside of RERA’s means."
He added that RERA has agreed to both a site management agreement with the township and restoration of the line for removal of rail assets in the event an agreement cannot be reached. He said RERA intends to restart a heritage rail operation in Uxbridge, but if no agreement can be made, will negotiate with another community.
Risebrough-Barnes said it isn't possible at this time to say what a restored heritage line in Uxbridge would look like, since RERA is working on a strategic plan and holding meetings with the agriculture, tourism, transportation and heritage industries. He added, however, that if a deal is reached in the next few months, the line could operate between Uxbridge and Goodwood.