Listowel’s historical train station gets important upgrades

The Listowel Kinsmen marked a $200,000 renovation of a century old train station that also serves as Kinsmen HQ.

A historic train station that’s been the headquarters of the Listowel Kinsmen for 40 years has received some important upgrades.

“The whole building sat on old railway ties that were finally starting to give way under the weight of everything. And so that was cause for concern. We were able to then apply for the Ontario Trillium Grant, get $200,000 towards this $250,000 project, and structurally shore up the last part of this building that was original,” explained Ben Zavitz of the Listowel Kinsmen.

The project also included new insulation, an HVAC system, kitchen, and meeting space for kin youth. Maintaining the century-old building was important to the kinsmen, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which funds community projects.

“The train station was built in 1871, and was a meeting place for travelers and has since become a meeting place for the community for various events. So, it all links together,” said Ontario Trillium Foundation Board Member John McLeod.

“It has been a meeting place for people for many, many, years, over 100 years. And it’s great to see the kinsmen honour that tradition with this space. And to keep that going. Keep that history alive,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae.