Great Canadian Plains Railway Society

The Great Canadian Plains Railway Society (GCPRS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the railway heritage of southern Alberta, with a particular focus on the Galt Railway and the historical steam and coal eras. Established in 1998, the Society operates the Galt Historic Railway Park and is involved in the restoration, exhibition, and education related to railway artifacts and history.

History and Mission

Formed to save the 1890 International Train Station from demolition, the Great Canadian Plains Railway Society purchased the historic station in 2000 and relocated it from Coutts, Alberta, where it originally straddled the Canada–United States border, to a 35-acre site north of Stirling, Alberta. The station was meticulously restored to its original 1890 condition based on historic photographs and was opened to the public in 2005. The Society’s mission encompasses the collection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of railway-related artifacts and history, highlighting the social and economic impact of railways in the region.

Galt Historic Railway Park

The primary project of the Society is the Galt Historic Railway Park, which houses the restored International Train Station and a collection of railway exhibits from the steam and coal era. The station itself is a unique architectural and historical artifact; from 1890 to 1916, it was the only known train station to physically straddle the Canada-US border, with the international boundary running through the waiting and dining room. This rare feature made the station a significant part of regional railway history.

The park includes:

• The restored 1890 International Train Station Depot.
• Additional railway cars such as a restored baggage car converted into a school car, a wooden caboose, and a stock car.
• Costumed interpreters who provide educational tours about the railway’s history and significance.
• Special events offering combined station tours and rides on a restored railway motorcar along a hand-built track.

Activities and Operations

The Great Canadian Plains Railway Society encourages membership and volunteerism to support its activities. Members and volunteers operate the railway park during the tourist season, typically from July through August, with appointments available during other months. Funding for the Society comes from membership fees, museum admissions, grants, charitable gaming proceeds, donations, and sponsorships for restoration projects.

The Society welcomes donations of cash, artifacts, photographs, and printed materials, which are acknowledged with tax receipts. Sponsorship opportunities are available for specific restoration projects, inviting community involvement in preserving regional railway heritage.

Significance

The Great Canadian Plains Railway Society plays a crucial role in preserving a unique and important element of Canada’s railway history, offering educational and cultural value to visitors and railway enthusiasts. The Society’s stewardship of the Galt Historic Railway Park provides insight into the technological, social, and economic development of southern Alberta and the broader Canada-US border region during the steam railway era.

Business Registration Number: 866799422RR0001
Note: The Society operates under the legal framework of a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on heritage preservation.

[1] https://galtrailway.com/society/ [2] https://galtrailway.com [3] https://www.travelalberta.com/listings/galt-historic-railway-park-3509 [4] https://southernalberta.com/profile.asp?bPageID=1567 [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galt_Historic_Railway_Park