CN Station Project in Hanna, Alberta

The former Canadian Northern Railway station at Hanna was constructed in 1913 and served to provide both passenger and freight service until August 1990. The station has always symbolized the community's origins and is today regarded as a major heritage resource. The Federal Government has designated the building as a Heritage Railway Station.

The recent acquisition of the CN Roundhouse by private enterprise has sparked a renewed interest in Hanna's history as a Rail Town. As a result, citizens are exploring the potential uses for the CN Station House and recognizing its significance to our history. This is a physical reminder of the development of rural Alberta and pairing the CN Station House with the CN Roundhouse becomes a natural addition to an already rare attraction.

The current location and physical status of the Station is not conducive to enhancements. Local contractors have expressed concerns about the foundation and beam structure of the building. Water damage has caused decay. Town staff has reported having to pump the basement of water while the facility was still operational. It would be safe to summarize that the building either has to be moved to a different location on a new foundation, or lifted and the foundation be rebuilt.

Due to the original purpose of the Station, the 'attractive' side of the building (platform side) faces the tracks. In Hanna, this is not an advantage as access to view the more attractive profile is not permitted (private land) and the roadway is underdeveloped. Hanna citizens and visitors to the area are unable to enjoy to the platform side of the Station unless they physically walk onto the train tracks.

Relocation of the CN Station not only addresses the concerns above, but also has an environmental impact. As the station currently sits, the site is not well maintained and will eventually become a hazard to the public. It is not blocked off from the public and while the building is secured, vandalism and weather will have a negative impact on this structure.

Relocation of the Station will serve to increase visibility and accessibility. The following outlines a potential plan for the use of the CN Station.

Heritage

Accentuate the architectural elements that make this facility unique, building on its character and history. Any exterior enhancements could be completed in keeping with the Heritage Character Statement supplied by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

There is an option to make application for the CN Station to be either a Registered Historic Resource or a Provincial Historic resource. Provincial designation is a more significant level. Structures or sites must normally be of outstanding provincial significance, associated with an important aspect of Alberta's natural or human history, and/or of outstanding palaeontological, archaeological or architectural merit.

Advantages of a Designation
1) Eligibility for financial assistance from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
2) Consultation with Alberta Community Development staff who will give technical advice to ensure that restoration/protection work is carried out in a manner that considers both owners' needs and resource sensitivity,
3) Widespread recognition, and
4) A plaque which identifies the significance of the site and the owner's interest in the preservation of Alberta's heritage.

Disadvantages of a Designation:
1) No person can destroy, disturb, alter, restore, repair or remove any historic objects from a designated Provincial Historic Resource without prior approval in writing from the Minister.
2) The resource must be situated on its original location.

Visitor Information

The relocated and renovated Station can serve as the Town of Hanna Visitor Information Centre (VIC). Hanna's VIC is not large enough to properly accommodate information and resources. We do not solicit tourism information from out of Town due to space issues. We provide BC & Saskatchewan campground and accommodation information, internet service, and connections to appropriate VIC's to accommodate travelers. We also display as many brochures and booklets as we can accommodate but brochure rackage is often denied due to the lack of presentation space.

There is an opportunity to expand upon the souvenirs offered. Local citizens and visitors frequently look for Hanna souvenirs.

Local businesses hesitate to inventory Hanna souvenirs for the following reasons:
1) Doesn't turn over quickly enough
2) To be effective, must utilize prime display space
3) Business hours & location often don't coincide with travelers needs

It is a natural fit, from the perspective of a visitor, to be able to purchase Hanna souvenirs in the local Visitor Information Centre.

Some of the items to be added can include:
1) Local artisans and producers/manufacturers
2) Photographers (prints, postcards, etc)
3) Artisans
4) TK Ranch (beef jerky could be offered and be in keeping with health regulations)
5) Books by local authors
6) Wearables (t-shirts, vests, sweatshirts, etc.)
7) Gimmick items always do well at VIC's. (Spock ears at the Vulcan VIC for example)
8) Rail themed merchandise
9) Goose themed merchandise
10) The Lone Pine history books do well at VIC's

History

This facility can serve as a portal for rural Alberta (Canadian Badlands) CN history. The large structure will be impressive looking and will certainly attract attention. Displays and memorabilia can be self directed to take advantage of the traveling public, providing an educational experience, followed by references to the CN Roundhouse and the Hanna Pioneer Village Museum.

Because the history is so visibly specific, it is anticipated that railroad buffs both local and otherwise will offer items of interest for display or education to this facility.

Partnerships

The Hanna and District Chamber of Commerce could potentially house their office in the building. The Hanna Chamber has not been formally approached with this suggestion. This would be a natural relationship, as it is typically the role of Chambers of Commerce to promote their business community. Many Chambers of Commerce organizations in Alberta independently operate community Visitor Information Centres. The Town of Hanna currently operates the VIC with summer staff from May long weekend to Labor Day. This relationship could continue however, it could be expected that in lieu of cash rent, the Chamber of Commerce would provide regular and consistent hours of operation in the shoulder season.

The advantages:
1) Regular hours of operation making the facility accessible year round.
2) Adults are much more receptive and comfortable with visitors than students.
3) The Chamber currently has limited visibility in the Community. Chambers of Commerce are very often the first stop for inquiring businesses and should be accessible and ready to answer questions or refer to the proper resources.
4) Travelers know the Towns they can stop in while traveling for a quick potty break. Strategically located, this facility can become a landmark stop for travelers along highway 9. Visitor who know the facility can accommodate them, will likely return time and time again, increasing their odds of becoming not only great customers but Hanna ambassadors.

As the Canadian Badlands grows and develops, there will be opportunities for local people to branch out into tourism. B & B's, U-Pick farms, guided tours are all operations that could be recommended or perhaps even sold from the building, assisting travelers with one-stop-shopping experience.

Ambience

An atmosphere of 'old style' could be incorporated. While it is important to have the building equipped to accompany technological advances, renovations should attempt to maintain the 'bustling railroad days' atmosphere. Perhaps an old fashioned candy counter, along with the sale of scooped ice cream would add to the ambiance. The platform could become a veranda style point of relaxation. Travelers and local citizens can read, rest, relax on the veranda while experiencing a 'Hanna Style Welcome' from the VIC staff.

Connection with Canadian Badlands

A common theme between the communities of the Canadian Badlands is Rail. Rural Alberta's existence originates from the growth of the railroad. The rail history and resources currently available, yet underdeveloped, offer a strong link to the Canadian Badlands development. What to do with the Roundhouse has been discussed at many levels. Government and Tourism Consortia are very interested and are hopeful that Hanna will recognize the potential and seek assistance. The restored/upgraded Station can serve as a receiving and resource outlet for information and connections as the Roundhouse project develops.

Local Art

Other than the public library, Hanna and area residents do not have access to a location to showcase their art. In April 2003, and again in February 2007, the Hanna Municipal Library hosted a Local Artisans Exhibition showcasing the works of over 22 local artisans. It is interesting to note that library staff did not solicit artisans, people displayed completely on their own accord. It is also interesting to note that immediately after the event, many people phoned the library, wondering when the next exhibit was scheduled so they too could exhibit. Some of the works displayed included: wood carving, oil painting, metal work, textiles/fabric art, jewelry, photography, etc. The Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery developed a traveling exhibit which included 3 of the 20 works from Hanna artisans. The CN Station will be a perfect place to exhibit local talent. Sales can be commissioned to assist with the operation of the facility.