The CPKC Holiday Train wasn't supposed to stop in Midhurst.
Officially, Midhurst was not on the list of scheduled stops this year, but a handful of people who had gathered by the tracks on Saturday afternoon hoping to catch a glimpse of the train as it headed north got a surprise.
The Holiday Train stopped for about 15 minutes to drop off several crewmembers before resuming its journey. It was enough time for about 20 people, many with children, to take pictures and videos of the train.
In early November, it was announced the CPKC Holiday train would skip its usual Midhurst stop due to increased safety concerns.
"Recently, our partners – including, CPKC, Township staff, the OPP, and Fire & Emergency Services – have become aware of heightened safety concerns for this event in 2024. 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. Despite the logistical necessity, as CPKC had already published this year’s schedule, it necessitated the unfortunate removal of our stop," said Jenna Reid, communications assistant for Springwater Township, in an email to Barrie 360 on Nov. 8.
For many years, the Holiday Train has been a seasonal fixture for hundreds of people who gather near the railway crossing at Anne Street North and Highway 26 to see the festive lights and live music, while representatives from local food banks collect donations.
In the email, Reid confirmed CPKC had committed to continue to financially support the Barrie and Elmvale Food Banks this year.
