History of the Coboconk Train Station
The new Wellness Centre is designed to honour the unique history of the area, preserving key elements of the Train Station and displaying historical artifacts and stories interspersed throughout the building, thanks to the efforts of the Shedden Historical Society.
With the new Wellness Centre at its heart, we hope to see a revitalization of the Legion Park property with more recreation programming and equipment opportunities and a hope that the undeveloped land behind the Train Station will attract the development of seniors-focused housing options. A real Community hub of activity!
Here’s a little history of the Train Station and its importance to the area:
The Coboconk Train Station was the end of the line for the Toronto & Nipissing Railway. The original station was built in 1872, then rebuilt in 1908 in its present state after a lightning strike that burned it to the ground. This building is unique in that it was also designed to serve as the station master’s residence. The station then became the property of the Grand Trunk, The Midland and the Canadian National Railroad.
George Laidlaw was an early advocate and investor for the railway to Coboconk where it became the centre of activity for both commerce and tourism. The railway brought much-needed supplies to the Community and on return trips shipped lumber and produce to market.
1965 signalled the end of service for the Coboconk Train Station. After the lifting of the tracks, it served as storage for a local building centre, before being re-located to the top of Legion Park for restoration and to use for Community events.
The Coby Train Station is one of 10 remaining of the 60 or more stations that at one time served the people of the former Victoria County, now the City of Kawartha Lakes.
