CHRS - Canadian Pacific Railway Station - Nelson, BC
Posted by: 
T0SHEA
N 49° 29.361 W 117° 18.104
11U E 478147 N 5481900
Built in 1900, Nelson's CPR station was designated a Historic Railway Station on April 6th, 1992 by Parks Canada.
Waymark Code: WMHB7M
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 06/18/2013
Views: 8
Completed in 1900, in 1910 it was doubled in size to house the headquarters of the B.C. Lake and River Service, as well as railroad operations. The addition made this a large station, reflecting Nelson's status at that time as a major shipping and transportation hub for the Kootenay region.
The CPR tracks arrived in Nelson in 1891 and in that year the first station was built, at this location. When, in the late 1890s, Nelson was designated the Kootenay Region Headquarters for the CPR, this station was built to house increased office space and to provide better freight and passenger handling capabilities. Ostensibly, it was opened January 1st, 1900.
Now a Nelson Heritage Building, the CPR Station occupies number 84 on
the Nelson Heritage Register 2011 update.
From Historic Places:
DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC PLACE
The Canadian Pacific Railway Station at Nelson is a two-storey, wood-frame, railway station, built in 1900. It is located near the lakefront, at the foot of the main thoroughfare, on the edge of the city of Nelson. The formal recognition is confined to the railway station building itself.
HERITAGE VALUE
The Canadian Pacific Railway Station (CPR) at Nelson reflects the city’s role at the end of the 19th century as a major transportation centre for the mining industry in British Columbia’s southern interior. The station served as a crucial meeting point between rail and steamboat transportation. The station also represents the CPR’s commitment to compete with American railway interests in the southern interior.
The Nelson station is a good example of the picturesque aesthetic applied to a railway station. It is a substantial structure with complex massing and rich detailing. The station’s wood construction reflects the local abundance of that material, and perhaps, the CPR’s doubts as to the permanence of the mining community. The subsequent additions have not diminished the legibility of the original station.
The station maintains a high profile in the community and is considered an important historical resource.
At present the station is undergoing a complete renovation and looks it. Most of its exterior finish has been removed and the entire structure is presently inaccessible to the public. Scheduled completion date is in 2014, and when it reopens we will provide photos of the newly renovated building.
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.