VIA Rail begins Brockville station renovation project

VIA Rail Canada Inc. officials yesterday launched an extensive renovation of its rail station in Brockville, Ontario.

Built in 1872, the station will receive a new roof, a new building envelope, and new lighting and finishes. In addition, doors and windows will be replaced, automatic doors will be installed and other other accessibility improvements for people with disabilities will be completed, VIA Rail officials said in a press release.

The project also calls for demolishing a building next to the station and constructing a passenger shelter. The work is expected to be completed by November.

The station renovations are part of a nationwide project aimed at improving VIA Rail stations and infrastructure. The work is being funded through the Canadian government's capital funding, which since 2007 has totaled more than $1 billion (in Canadian dollars) — the largest investment of its kind in VIA Rail, railroad officials said.