The Canadian Railway Hall of Fame honours Canadian achievement in the railway business — specifically related to the development and on-going role of Canada’s vibrant railway industry. It fulfills a need to recognize various technology, communities and individuals that have been instrumental in the development of this vital Canadian transportation system.

The Hall of Fame project uses modern electronic Web-based technology in developing a virtual hall of fame which is truly nation-wide — indeed international — in scope. Through this universal communication medium, the Hall of Fame will be accessible to interested parties wherever they may be, bringing the railway industry’s history and message into schools, institutions, and private homes.

Canada is a country in which the railway has played a significant historic role in its development as a nation. However, the railways continue to quietly play a huge role in the economy of our country — moving goods and raw materials to export and to market — at record traffic levels. Therefore part of the Hall of Fame’s goal is to help enhance public awareness not only of the industry’s rich history, but of its current importance to Canadian and world markets.

In addition to this on-line Hall of Fame, there will also be a physical component located in the historic village of Big Valley, Alberta. Big Valley is already the site of significant railway and local heritage preservation, and the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame will complement these efforts. Through the use of outdoor interpretive signage, and a planned pavilion, those individuals, communities and the technology honoured on the Internet site will also be featured within the Canadian Northern Society’s historic interpretive park at Big Valley.

The Canadian Railway Hall of Fame generally selects four members each year.

Hours of Operation: The Hall of Fame Pavilion, being outdoor, is available for access daily by the public during daylight hours, year round.

Photos: Shawn Smith