A replica 1836 American Steam Engine tourist train operates as part of The Station at the Port Elgin Main Beach.
Hub Staff
Notice of a “Save the Train” rally August 6 has been circulating online and within the community and although there is speculation as to its source, no one has yet come forward.
In a July 27 interview, Saugeen Shores CAO David Smith said as far as the Town is concerned the train is not in danger. “We have never suggested that the train isn’t a valuable contribution to our beach,” he said, adding, “Our waterfront master plan reinforces the need for the train and the desire to have the train.”
In a January 9 Saugeen Shores Committee of Whole meeting it was suggested that the Town enter into a temporary one year lease for The Station, which includes a confectionery, a mini-putt course and the replica 1836 American Steam Engine tourist train, rather than the historic five year agreement, in order to “select a service partner able to enhance the appearance of the building, provide desired services [and] reasonably accommodate the train business,” read a Staff Report.
"Again our report said, 'including the train,' so that's what we would ideally like to do," said Smith.
The report noted that the current lease holder would have an opportunity to participate in a recommended Request for Proposal process. The report also stated that an unsolicited proposal for a repurpose of the building and surrounding land had been presented to staff in 2016.
Andy Hess, who along with his family has operated The Station for decades, declined to comment July 27 except to say that the rally wasn’t his or his family’s doing.
Smith said the current lease is outdated, as it contains provisions that are 30 years old, and that a 10 or 15 year lease is more appropriate as it would allow the lease holder an opportunity to invest more in capital. “Despite Andy’s efforts, he’s limited because of the five year lease,” said Smith.
January’s staff report echoed the sentiment. “It is anticipated that the lease increment will need to extend beyond [five] years to achieve the desired commitment,” read the report.
“Part of the reason we have leases is so we can do regular check-ins,” said Smith in our interview Thursday. “So we’ve had a series of five year leases with Andy and his wife and with our Waterfront Master Plan it calls for some changes down at the waterfront,” he said, adding, “We want to make sure it’s the best use of public space, we want to make sure the amenities fit our current need.” Smith added that the space as it stands now is believed to be under utilized.
Smith said that the goal is to evolve the waterfront and that “we want to work collaboratively with Andy." He added that both he and Council have a responsibility to make sure the public good is being served.
“We thought that rolling over the lease in consultation with Andy would be a way to give us some time to sort it out,” he said. “Town staff would be delighted to speak to Mr and Mrs Hess about the future of the train at any time,” he added.
