Owen Sound

Mudtown Station, 1198 1st Avenue East

Year built: 1946-47

Builder: Canadian Pacific Railroad

Original purpose: The Owen Sound Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Station, designed in the international modern style, was one of four stations built as part of the CPR’s modernization program after the Second World War. It is the only CPR station from this era that remains intact. But it fell into disrepair after it closed and sat vacant for almost 30 years, suffering from interior fire and water damage.

Adaptive reuse: The City of Owen Sound bought the derelict station in 2010 and undertook several restoration projects to secure the building structure. During the 2014 Doors Open Owen Sound event, a local family fell in love with the property and eventually negotiated a lease with the city to transform the site into a brewery and restaurant. Mudtown Station (named for the neighbourhood it was in) opened in 2018 and continues to serve up craft beer and local food to residents and tourists alike.

Adapted by: Mudtown Station Inc.

Awards: 2018 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation

Links:

• Map
• Website
• Video
• Heritage Matters e-magazine