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Caption: VIA Rail train 663 is passing through Guelph with a trio of Budd RDC's in the consist, led by RDC-1 6113, now preserved by the VIA Historical Association. The train is seen trundling past the Guelph Twines building at left and the CN express building to the right. Today the CN express building is owned by Granite Homes serving as office space for various companies. Note the walkways alongside the TOFC (Trailer on Flat Car) loading ramps at left.
At left the Guelph Twines Building has a fair bit of history behind it. Built circa 1903 (per 1897 - 1907 fire insurance maps) as the headquarters of the Louden Machinery Company of Canada Ltd. and branded as “The Largest Factory under the British Flag devoted exclusively to the manufacture of Barn and Stable Equipment.” By the late 1920's the building became part of Leland Electric, coming under control of Sangamo Electric circa 1960. Sangamo would in turn become part of Prestolite in 1970, who occupy the building until 1972 when a twine company from Brantford relocated to Guelph, becoming Guelph Twines.
Peter Raschke Photo, Jacob Patterson Collection Slide.
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Fast forward to today (literally starting this morning) and passenger trains now travel through here at 73km/h.
Excellent photo.
I had heard that Guelph Twines hasn’t received any rail cars for some time.
Twines seems done with rail service, for now
A place like that can’t just stop unless they’re getting it trucked in now. The factory is still operating when I last looked during business hours.
And that new speed… unfortunately there will be an accident.. it’s just a matter of time now. Metrolinx should have been forced (by Transport Canada/TSB) to improve pedestrian safety before increasing the speed. They did nothing at the crossings other than fencing and anti trespass mats, but even that’s not enough. Pedestrian gates would have been a viable option.
There’s literally nothing stopping a pedestrian from trying to cross at Alma St. No barrier at all. “Oh it’s just a slow train… i’ll sneak across”
it’s not too late but… Metrolinx did this for Lancaster St… and not because they were being proactive…