Location: The Algoma Eastern Railway is located in northern Ontario, extending between Subury and Little Current on Manitoulan Island.
History: The beginnings of the Algoma Eastern Railway (AER) date back to the origins of the Manitoulan & North Shore Railway (M&NSR), a venture that was created in 1888 to allow for the construction of a line west from Sudbury to Manitoulan Island, primarily to assist new settlers in that region. For lack of adequate funding, however, the line sat dormant until 1888 when the project caught the attention of Francis Clerque, an industrialist based in Sault Ste. Marie who had acquired mining properties in the Sudbury area. Clerque was of the opinion that the construction of the line would assist in the growth of his own industries that included hydro, steel, pulp and paper, and mining outfits, as well as the Algoma Central Railway. In 1900, the line was acquired by Clerque and its charter amended to allow for an extension south from Little Current to South Baymouth, and then from Tobermory on the other side of Main Channel south to Owen Sound to connect with the Grand Trunk Railway. A car ferry would bridge the gap across Main Channel. As well, authority was given for an extension from McKerrow east to a connection with the Algoma Central Railway at Sault Ste. Marie.
Construction finally began on the project in the summer of 1900. A connection was made with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) at Sudbury while mining and smelting industries were served at Copper Cliff and Clarabelle. Construction continued fourteen miles to the west to serve the Elsie and Gertrude mines, both owned by Clerque. In addition, a two mile spur was built from the CPR near McKerrow south to a new pulp and paper mill at Espanola. This was leased to the CPR pending the completion of the M&NSR mainline. Construction continued until 1903 when financial problems placed a halt on any additional work being completed until 1907. A reorganization of the company took place in May 1911 at which point the name of the company was changed to the Algoma Eastern Railway. This change led to the final push in construction with the line being open from Sudbury to Little Current in April 1913. At Little Current, the company constructed yard and dock facilities, primarily to receive coal and other products destined for Sudbury and area mines.
Given the very close proximity of the Sault Ste. Marie branch of the CPR, the two lines were constantly competing with each other for the lucrative area mining business. The struggle between the two companies ended in March 1930 when the CPR concluded a lease arrangement with the AER for a period of 999 years. Immediately, the CPR looked to reduce the duplication of tracks wherever possible, resulting in the abandonment of large sections of track between 1931 and 1935. The only portions of track that remained open were from McKerrow south to Little Current, and from Creighton east into Sudbury. The AER was amalgamated with the CPR in 1958. Today, much of the former right-of-way remains visible, being used in certain areas as a road or path. No additional construction under the Manitoulan & North Shore Railway charter west towards Sault Ste. Marie or south into the interior of the island ever took place.
Approximate Milage: The total route from Sudbury to Little Current measured 87 miles.
Current Status: Under Canadian Pacific ownership, the line became the Little Current Subdivision. The majority of the line from NcKerrow east to Creighton was abandoned by 1935. Today, all that remains active include small portions of track in Sudbury (Nickel Spur), and from McKerrow south to Little Current.
Principle Stations: Sudbury, Creighton, Gertrude, Crean Hill, Espanola, Whitefish Falls and Little Current.
Remaining Stations: There are no remaining AER stations.
Additional information about the Algoma Eastern Railway can be obtained from the following site:
Last Updated: December 02, 2000
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