Location: The Walkerton & Lucknow Railway is located in Southern Ontario, extending between the two rural communities of Walkerton and Saugeen Junction just south of Ceylon (near Flesherton).
History: In order to be relieved from dependence upon the Grand Trunk Railway, who's service was considered poor and rate charges high, area businessman of Bruce, Grey and Wellington Counties incorporated the Walkerton & Lucknow Railway Company (W&LR) in 1904. The line was proposed to be constructed from Walkerton to Lucknow via Teeswater with a branch to Hanover. Provisions within the charter provided for the ability to amalgamate with either the Canadian Pacific Railway or the Huron & Ontario Railway. In May, 1905 extensions were formerly approved by the Government permitting the line to construct easterly from Hanover via Durham to a connection on the CPR (Toronto, Grey and Bruce) near Ceylon, southerly from Lucknow to Wingham, and a branch from Teeswater to Kincardine.
Construction was commenced on the line during the fall of 1906 by contractor Randolph Macdonald Company of Toronto. In November of that year, the shareholders approved a lease of the unbuilt line to the CPR for a term of 999 years. Mr. J.W. Leonard, a CPR staff member, was selected as president for the new venture. By December, tracks had been laid into Hanover from the former Toronto Grey & Bruce line (now Canadian Pacific) at Saugeen Junction, and beyond towards Walkerton by March, 1908. The line was officially opened for traffic over this stretch (37.7 miles or 60.7 km) in August, 1908. Set and aside from spur lines into various local industries, no further construction ever took place as per the approved charter. The company was amalgamated with the CPR in 1956.
Approximate Milage: 40 miles.
Current Status: To the Canadian Pacific, the line became known as the Walkerton Subdivision. It was abandoned in 1984.
Principle Stations: Saugeen Junction, Durham, Hanover and Walkerton.
Remaining Stations:
There are two stations remaining from the W&LR. They are as follows:
1. Priceville: Moved to property on Kincardine Street as a residence.
2. Durham: Moved to property on Townsend Lake as a residence.
Last Updated: December 31, 1997
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