North Bay’s Heritage Railway and Carousel Company celebrates 30th anniversary

North Bay’s Heritage Railway and Carousel Company says it is full steam ahead for its 30th anniversary celebration.

The miniature train and carousel have been a staple of the Lake Nipissing waterfront for years, attracting families for rides from near and far.

“It's an attraction for young parents and young at heart,” said Ralph Celentano, Heritage Railway and Carousel Company anniversary celebration chairman.

It all started with the dream of two men, former Mayor Stan Lawlor and local dentist Rod Johnston, who wanted to preserve North Bay’s rail heritage.

That became a reality July 29, 1994, with the official opening of the Heritage Railway Company.

A steam and diesel engine and two coaches were purchased in Oct. 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. They arrived in North Bay in Feb. 1994.

The engines and coaches were refurbished, sandblasted and painted. During this period about 50 retired railway workers from the CNR, CPR and ONR were enlisted to do the work and build a rail line. The actual half-mile line was completed in one week.

“It has got many people involved over the years,” Celentano said, noting there are currently around 130 volunteers.

In 1996, the company erected a caboose station, which was a gift from the CPR.

In the spring of 2006, a new locomotive was added to the fleet. It is a replica of the ‘Lucy Dalton’ steam engine. It is a nod to North Bay's railroading history as the original train pulled into the city in 1882.

Since 1994, an estimated two million people have buckled up for a train ride.

“We just had a gentleman who walked up to us and told us he remembers when he came when he was 10 years old,” Celentano said.

“He’s a father now and he’s happy to bring his kids here to reminisce.”

The first, larger carousel opened on Canada Day in 2002. The second, smaller carousel opened on the same day three years later.

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The 30th anniversary celebration will take place Aug. 3. The rides are open from 10 a.m. until dusk.

Officials will be honouring the attraction’s two millionth rider that day, offering retro 1994 pricing of $1 per ride all day and more.