Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
HUMBOLDT — Canadian National (CN) Railway is seeking approval to demolish the historic Humboldt Railway Station, a landmark that has stood in the community for more than 120 years and has been recognized as a federally-designated heritage railway station since 1992.
In a statement provided to SaskToday, CN spokesperson Ashley Michnowski said the company issued a public notice on July 27 regarding the proposed demolition of the station.
Built in 1905, the station at Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street was originally constructed by the Canadian Northern Railway and served as a key point on the company’s main line between Winnipeg and Edmonton. According to Parks Canada, the station was built as the central point of the community and reflected the railway’s confidence in the future growth and importance of Humboldt. The building was designated a heritage railway station under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act on June 4, 1992.
CN said the building has been vacant since the 1980s and no longer supports passenger rail service.
According to the railway, the station has deteriorated significantly over time, creating safety and operational concerns.
Michnowski said CN worked closely with the City of Humboldt to explore potential future uses for the building before deciding to pursue demolition.
“After assessing available options and identifying no viable path forward, CN, with the support of the city, decided to pursue demolition and will submit an application pursuant to Section 6 of the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and the Heritage Railway Stations Regulations,” the statement said.
The proposed demolition involves a structure that remains an important piece of the city’s history. Parks Canada describes the station as a 1 1/2-storey wood-frame building that helped shape Humboldt’s development. The federal agency notes Humboldt was created and surveyed by the Canadian Northern Railway, with the station serving as the visual and commercial focal point within the community’s original street grid.
Parks Canada also notes the station retains several distinctive heritage features, including its elongated rectangular design, projecting operator’s bay, bellcast roof with exposed rafters, pyramidal upper roof, dormers and original-style sash windows. The station was recognized not only for its architecture but also for its role in the growth of rail transportation and settlement across the Prairies.
CN said it remains committed to keeping governments, stakeholders and community members informed throughout the process.
“Throughout this process, CN remains committed to transparent and open communication with governments, stakeholders, and the community,” Michnowski said.
SaskToday contacted the City of Humboldt for comment on the proposed demolition and the future of the historic site. No response had been received by publication.
