Government of Canada honours national significance of Algoma Central Engine House

The Algoma Central Engine House was the first of only two engine sheds built to this design in Canada and is still in use today!

August 30, 2018                        Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario                Parks Canada Agency

Representative of the early 20th century’s ambitions to increase and improve transportation through northern Ontario, the Algoma Central Engine House in Sault Ste. Marie, was the first train repair shed in Canada built with an internal turntable. Built in 1912, it has seen continuous use and is currently operated by CN.

Today, Dr. Richard Alway, Ontario Member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorated the national historic significance of the Algoma Central Engine House on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna. A plaque was unveiled during a ceremony at the CN Rail Yard in Sault Ste. Marie.

Built by the Algoma Central Railway to service steam trains, the Algoma Central Engine House was the first of only two engine sheds built to this design in Canada. Its massive size with a turntable built inside the building made it a unique design that has stood the test of time. Very few original elements of the building were changed when the building was modified to service diesel powered trains in the 1950s. Possessing massive windows, vitrified brick floor, high concrete foundation, steel roof columns and trusses and interior space for 14 locomotives, this building forms a direct connection to industrial development and expansion in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,000 designations have been made.

Starting in 2018, the Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under. Furthermore, Parks Canada offers free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens. We invite Canadians to learn more about our history – from lighthouses to battlefields, historic neighbourhoods to Indigenous contributions to Canada, there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover.