WINNIPEG — The cityThe city of Winnipeg has long traded on its location, culturally and economically, on being in the middle of Canada’s geography. It’s been nicknamed the “Gateway to the West” and the Winnipeg Railway Museum is recognizing the history of railway technology with “Railway Days”. of Winnipeg has long traded on its location, culturally and economically, on being in the middle of Canada’s geography. It’s been nicknamed the “Gateway to the West” and the Winnipeg Railway Museum is recognizing the history of railway technology with “Railway Days”.
The highlight of the showcase is the steam locomotive “The Countess of Dufferin”, which is one of the few remaining examples of steam locomotives on display. Gord Leathers said while trains are now seen as a critical part of the past, the technology that existed at the time helped create Canada’s economy.
“If you were part of the horse and buggy era, if you saw this thing rolling out, at full steam…you’d be agog at what modern times we lived in,” said Leathers.
The museum is also showing a post World War 1 car, which was used to carry thousands of immigrants at the turn of the 20th century, as they settled into their new homes in Western Canada.
Leathers said Winnipeg – and Manitoba’s – history is forever intertwined and dependent on the history of rail in Canada. He said the city would not be what it is today without the presence of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
“Because we’re now a hub of transportation and commerce, we are this gateway to the prairies, in terms of banking and agriculture.”