When I can accross this article in the Saanich Community newspaper I felt many would like to know and read this bit of local rail way history...Enjoy!
By Dennis Robinson
Saanich News
Feb 14 2007
Construction of the new Town & Country shopping centre due to begin this spring provides an opportunity at the site to remember a forgotten piece of history.
More than 100 years ago, the first railroad to run from Victoria to Sidney had a right of way that went through this now valuable piece of Saanich real estate. In 1892, the Victoria and Sidney Railway was incorporated and it remained in operation until 1919. The tracks came up the slope from the city heading north between what is now Blanshard and Oak streets, and proceeded northwest through the present Town & Country location.
In 1913 B.C. Electric opened the second rail service out of Interurban Road, through Central Saanich and on to Deep Cove on the Saanich Peninsula.
A third railway to Pat Bay was begun in 1913, but was delayed while land was expropriated along the route. This rail link by Canadian Northern Pacific (now CN Rail) necessitated the removal of rock to maintain a gentle rail grade, and to allow the existing V & S Railway to pass overhead. This rock cut at Town & Country is now part of the Galloping Goose Trail.
The two competing railways met in this location in 1915, and for three days the V & S Railway was shut down as a steel bridge was moved into place over the rock cut. This bridge was supported by large concrete abutments, which are still visible and are the last traces of this early rail link to Sidney.
Walkers and cyclists on the Galloping Goose to this day pass beneath these concrete monuments, most oblivious to their history.
© Copyright 2007 Saanich News
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