While the rail and the ties on this portion of a once region-wide transit system have been removed, the old NS&T (Niagara, St. Catharines, and Toronto) line has found a new use as a recreational path in a series of quiet residential areas parallel and in close proximity to the present Welland Canal. This trail was actually known as a section of the Lake Shore Division of the NS&T Electric railway system. From 1913 to 1931, passengers were carried between St. Catharines and Niagara-on- the-Lake along its route, including numerous Canadian Soldiers on route to a Niagara-on-the-Lake military camp during the First World War. The rail line was taken over by Canadian National Railway in 1960 for dieselized freight service.
During the 1950-1960s growth of residential neighbourhoods in the once-agricultural region that surrounded the NS & T Port Weller Spur, some of the favourite past times of youth included squashing pennies on the rail, feeling the vibrations of oncoming trains with their ears, and using the track as a short-cut, claims local baby-boomer.
Historical
This greenway was once a portion of the Lake Shore Division of the NS&T (Niagara, St. Catharines, and Toronto) electric railway system. From 1913 to 1931, passengers were carried between St. Catharines and Niagara-on- the-Lake along its route. During the First World War, numerous Canadian soldiers travelled the rail line to reach a military camp in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For many years before its eventual construction, the citizens of Niagara-on-the-Lake vigorously pushed for electric rail passenger service-- even offering the NS&T company 20 years exemption from taxes. The rail line was taken over by Canadian National Railway in 1960 for dieselized freight service.
Recreational
Malcomson Park, Seaway Gardens, Grantham Lions Park, Roehampton Park.
Recreational Uses
Walking, Jogging, Cycling
Adjacent Land Uses
Schools, Residential, Roehampton Park, Mary Malcolmson Eco-Park
Further Information
Niagara Greenway Network: http://www.brocku.ca/epi/gwaylist.htm
Niagara Region Bicycling Map 2nd Edition
Ownership & Management
City of St. Catharines Parks and Recreation Department
Address
St. Catharines, Ontario
Administration
City of St. Catharines
Parks and Recreation Department
St. Catharines, Ontario
Trail length
approx. 4-5 km
Surface features
Gravel Pathway
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