Return of Cascades Train Station to Historic Rail Line

Christian Rochefort

The Cascades train station, which was moved to its present location at the Voie Verte Chelsea (V.V.C.) near Chemin Mill, in Novembre 2025, was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Saturday April 18, 2026. Brian Nolan, Mayor of Chelsea, Marie-Claude Renaud, councillor District 1, Chelsea, Sophie Chatel, MP Pontiac-Kitiganzibi, Heather MacDonald, President of Sentier Chelsea (V.V.C.) and Sandy Foote, President of LaFab sur Mill, participated in the event.

Hosted by La Fab sur Mill and Eco Echo – an outdoor learning and research facility – the event was also part of Earth Day celebrations.

The station was on a property slated for development and has been relocated to its present location to ensure its preservation. The organization Voie Verte Chelsea has taken the task of transforming the station into a welcoming stop for hikers of the trail and a community story hub. “For the first time in over 100 years, the station once again stands along the former rail line, reconnecting the site to its historic role as a place of movement, exchange, and community life.”, according to the press release.

The move and some renovations are made possible with a grant of $121,000, half of which comes from the Municipality of Chelsea and the other 50 percent from Heritage Canada’s Legacy Fund.

Also highlighted by the celebration is a land art sculpture, called Holding Stories, which is made of tree branches. Many community members created the art piece over many weeks, under the leadership of acclaimed land art sculptor, Marc Walter. The sculpture sits next to the old train station.

Over the next months, the station will be fully renovated to provide a resting place for hikers and cyclists as well as a place for historical information.