Brockville’s refurbished railway tunnel brings the area’s history to light
Did you know that Brockville Railway Tunnel is the oldest tunnel in Canada, running 525 metres in length right underneath Brockville City Hall? Construction of the historic tunnel began in 1854 with the goal of connecting the emerging Brockville and Ottawa railway system to Brockville’s industrial waterfront.
Located in the outlying area between the Ottawa River and St. Lawrence River, the City of Brockville recently rehabilitated the tunnel to preserve this important part of Canadian history.
Funding of $275,000, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, was used to upgrade the tunnel drainage system, create a concrete travel surface, repair masonry and stabilize rock, and install new lighting and ventilation systems. This project has created a safer and more accessible experience for visitors.
The City of Brockville draws in more than 30,000 visitors annually to experience Canada’s first railway tunnel—a must-see attraction in eastern Ontario. With its walls lined with a mix of stone, craggy rocks and colourful formations of mineral deposits, the historical Brockville Railway Tunnel is one piece of Canada’s beginning that will now live on well into the future.
Cornwall seniors’ centre thrives thanks to renovation project
Community members are enjoying the renovated Centre Charles-Émile-Claude, a multipurpose seniors’ centre located in Cornwall, Ontario. Thanks to its new energy-efficient heating system, air conditioning units, accessible reception counter, modern kitchen renovation, and restored roof, the Centre is able to reduce costs and save on energy resources.
“We are now able to offer more services and programs without increasing rates for our members,” said Linda Newman, Director General, Centre Charles-Émile-Claude. “The renovated space also attracted new community partners. In reality, this project has provided great benefits to the Cornwall community at large.”
Centre Charles-Émile-Claude received funding of up to $120,710 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, and was able to employ several locally contracted businesses throughout the course of work to project completion in December 2017. The Centre is proud to offer professional care and ensure a high quality of life for its senior members of the Cornwall community.
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