New Group Considers Old Train Station Future in Pugwash

After years of successful but individual projects, the Pugwash Farmers’ Market has formalised its relationship with the Pugwash Village Commission.

The Commission agreed tonight to strike a joint committee with the market volunteers and the historical society which currently operates in the old train station.

The committee’s purpose is to enhance and promote the train station as a community hub.

The terms of reference was approved by the commission. The new volunteer committee will consist of Pat MacInnis and Jennifer Houghtaling from the market, Harvey Gullon and Vivian Godfrey from the historical society, and Brent Wilson and Dave MacEwan of the commission. Lisa Betts, the Village Clerk and Rebecca Taylor, the Market Manager, will be non-voting members.

The Pugwash Library currently occupies most of the space in the train station. However, with a new library under construction, the station is expected to be repurposed. 

The Market has become a driving force since it first opened the Saturday gathering of vendors. The permanent structure was built, which now bears a solar farm on its roof that is contributing to substantial savings on power used in the old station, a cost born by the village.

More recently, they added a platform, reminiscent of the old passenger platform at the rear of the station. It is used for market activities and now offers tables, chairs, and big umbrellas for market guests.

Plans are developing to reclaim a large room, off the platform, which may become a kitchen to provide cooked foods during public activities on the site.

The new joint committee will begin meeting to discuss options and enhancements with a view to seeking appropriate grants available to the village.

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