Melville Rail Station
Heritage
Association
Melville, Saskatchewan
– About the Station –
The Melville train station was built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) in 1908. Its large size is due to Melville’s importance as both a divisional point and a railway junction. Besides the mainline, branch lines extend to both Regina and Canora. The only other station in the GTPR built to the same plans, albeit with modifications, was built in McBride in 1914. It burned down four years later in 1918, leaving the Melville train station a unique structure. In 1920 the GTPR was absorbed by Canadian National Railways. CN continued to use the station and over the years made radical changes to the first floor altering its interior as well as the exterior.
– Heritage and Restoration –
A Piece of History
Dedicated to the Future
General Info
The Melville Rail Station Heritage Association or MRSHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the Melville train station. MRSHA was created on 30 August, 2004 in response to Canadian National Railways (CN) plans to demolish the train station. After six years of negotiations ownership of the station was taken over by MRSHA and the land that it sits on was leased for 99 years.
Restoration to Date
Since taking possession of the station in 2010, MRSHA has focused on extensive restoration efforts, investing nearly half a million dollars primarily in the exterior. This work included replacing the roof, removing 1920s stucco, and replacing all windows, while siding was either replaced or refurbished. Interior restoration includes reinforcing the west basement walls and a supporting pillar, bringing back the first floor to its 1908 footprint and fully restoring both vestibules.
Donations
Those unable to volunteer, but still want to contribute may instead donate. With your support, we can enhance facilities, preserve our heritage, and provide office spaces for rent. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to making this station a true community landmark.
