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Newfoundlanders haven’t heard the sound of railway crossing bells or train whistles since the narrow-gauge Newfoundland Railway shutdown in 1988. The closure was reportedly due to financial struggles, transport truck competition and the fact that narrow gauge rail was a challenge to maintain.
The railway may be gone but it hasn’t been forgotten. An online petition is calling for a feasibility study to determine if a new, modern railway could be economically viable on the island.
The petition was initiated by Newfoundlander Dustin Lawton, an online content creator dedicated to telling Atlantic Canada’s stories and highlighting opportunities that could benefit the region. Lawton is originally from Princton on the Bonavista Peninsula and has childhood memories of the old trains. “I’ve experienced places where modern rail systems are an important part of everyday life and I’ve seen firsthand how efficient they can be for moving people and freight.”
Lawton goes on to say, “I think we should let experts evaluate the costs, benefits, challenges and opportunities using today’s technology and today’s economy. Whether the study concludes that a railway is feasible or not, having that information allows us to make informed decisions about the province’s future.”
Lawton would like to see a new railway in Newfoundland that is standard gauge and offers both freight and passenger service. He believes that having a railway could reduce wear and tear on Newfoundland’s highways, strengthen tourism, and attract new business and investment. Standard gauge railway is used across most of North America. Lawton hopes the petition will get the attention of the provincial government as he would like to see the province work alongside engineers, transportation experts and economists while the study is conducted. Lawton emphasises that this petition is not about bringing back the past—it is about asking whether or not a modern railway could be part of Newfoundland’s future.
The petition “Support a Modern Rail Feasibility Study for Newfoundland and Labrador” is available on change.org. The goal is to have at least 1,000 signatures and as of August 11, 481 people had signed.
Newfoundland’s old railway has an extensive and fascinating history and you can find out more at the Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador website at heritage.nf.ca. • ABM
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