Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode, the tenth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision and Part 1 of 2, takes us to Pass Lake, Ontario and one of the most recognizable structures on the line. The Pass Lake-Blende River area has some unique geography and that influenced the route and construction of the Canadian Northern Railway. Forced by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the ridges of the Sibley Peninsula to hug the shore of Lake Superior and then through a narrow gap known as “The Pass,” the rail line had to cross the wide Blende River Valley. The result was a massive, 2258-foot long, 130-foot high steel viaduct, which remains the largest in central Canada. Our ride takes us from the site of Pass Lake Station west to the viaduct, including through a stretch where the rails remain in place.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the grade along Grand Trunk/Forbes Road with a large rock cut, remains of a slow order bridge, site of a former concrete culvert and views of the Matawin River.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the grade along Ellis and Grand Trunk/Forbes Road with the remains of the Dona Pit, as well as large embankments and cuttings.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the grade from the north bank of the Dog River where a 350-foot bridge once crossed along a large embankment to where it meets Ellis Road.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the remains of the 350 foot long, 30 foot tall bridge over the Dog River. Constructed circa 1910, it replaced an earlier structure, likely a wood trestle. The bridge was composed of trestle portions on the river banks with two centre truss spans supported by 3 concrete piers. When this section of the line was abandoned in 1925, the bridge was apparently dismantled and shipped to Saskatchewan.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the grade along Silver Falls Road with rock cuts, an unusual mystery foundation and the remains of the section house and water tank at Dona Station.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiquia, ON. Features the grade from Highway 102 west/northward to Silver Falls Road with several large rock cuts and the remains of Dona Station.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiqua, ON. Features the 105-foot long, all-concrete bridge over the Strawberry Creek completed in 1919 and abandoned 1925. One of the most unique rail structures in the area, it was built during the Canadian Government Railways period by the Carter-Halls-Aldinger Company of Winnipeg as part of a series of $89,299 upgrades to the line.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiqua, ON. Features the grade south of Highway 102 with large embankments, several rock cuts and the approaches to the Strawberry Creek Bridge.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Kaministiqua, ON. Features the grade south of Strawberry Creek as it passes through cuts, low, swampy areas and a series of long embankments.
Poverty, Agony, Distress & Want! 