Plans for a popular holiday tradition in Simcoe County have been derailed.
For 26 years, the CPKC Holiday Train has been bringing Christmas cheer to hundreds of communities across Canada, including a stop in Midhurst at the railway crossing at Anne Street North and Wenden Court.
This year, the train had been scheduled to make its Springwater stop on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The local stop, located just outside of Barrie, has brought visitors from all over the county out to enjoy the festive lights and live music, and has been a great way to raise awareness and non-perishable food items for the local food bank.
But for the first time in many years, the train will not be making a stop in Springwater.
“At the request of the Township of Springwater, there is no Holiday Train stop in Barrie this year,” Terry Cunha, a spokesman for CPKC, told BarrieToday.
Jeff Schmidt, the township's chief administrative officer, confirmed the decision, telling BarrieToday it was made due to safety concerns.
“Recently, our partners – including, CPKC, township staff, the OPP, and fire (department) and emergency services – have become aware of heightened safety concerns for this event in 2024," he said. "It was mutually agreed that the Springwater stop would be removed from the 2024 Holiday Train schedule.
“This decision allows us ample time to work with CPKC in finding a safer and more suitable location for the 2025 event," Schmidt added. "Despite the logistical necessity, as CPKC had already published this year’s schedule, it necessitated the unfortunate removal of our stop.”
The next closest stops are in Vaughan at 11 a.m. and MacTier at 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the food bank collection for those municipalities.
Schmidt said CPKC has committed to continue financial support for the Barrie and Elmvale food banks this year, despite the region not being included as a stop.
“We understand this change may disappoint many residents who traditionally enjoy this event. However, given our commitment to public safety, these steps are crucial," he said. "We are dedicated to collaborating with CPKC to secure a safe, enjoyable return in 2025 and for years to come."
According to the event’s website, the 2024 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the United States from Nov. 21 through Dec. 20, raising money, food and awareness to support food banks across its network. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train's stage.
CPKC donates to the local food bank at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation.
Since its inaugural journey in 1999, the event has raised more than $24.3 million and collected approximately 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the U.S.
