Key Number:	HS 14308
Site Name:	C.P.R. Railway Station
Other Names:
Site Type:	0803 - Transportation - Rail Facility: Station 1807 - Railway Point

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			31	1	5

Address:	Didsbury
Number:
Street:
Avenue:
Other:
Town:	Didsbury
Near Town:

Media

Type	Number	Date	View
Digital scan of Negative Digital scan of Negative	74-R0105-02 74-R0105-05	1974/01/01 1974/01/01	N/A N and West sides

Architectural

Style:	Railway Station Standard Plan
Plan Shape:	Rectangular
Storeys:	Storeys: 1 1/2
Foundation:
Superstructure:
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:	Low Hip
Roof Cover:
Exterior Codes:	Roof Trim - Eaves: Brackets Window - Number of Sashes: Two, Double Hung Window - Opening Mechanism: Single or Double Hung Window - Pane Arrangements: 6 over 1
Exterior:	This is the only extant C & E railway station with a mansard roof. Brackets support the wide bellcast eaves. Paired 6-up, 1-down double hung windows are found in the main station building. The attached baggage annex has a gable roof. The exterior of the station remains in almost original condition. Mansard roof with bellcast eaves and shed dormers.
Interior:	N/A
Environment:	Located in the townsite on the CPR line across from the main shopping area.
Condition:	Apparently in good condition. Structure: Poor. Repair: Poor. 1 FEB 1981.
Alterations:	N/A

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Constructed	1902/01/01
Usage:	Usage Date:
C.P.R. Station	1902/01/01
Owner:	Owner Date:
Canadian Pacific Limited Calgary and Edmonton Railway Co. Calgary and Edmonton	1926/02/01 1978/10/18 1984/05/16

Architect:	N/A
Builder:	N/A
Craftsman:	N/A
History:	C.P.R. Plan X-6 Site History: Built in 1902, this building provided the basic services of a small town railway station: Shelter for travellers and telegraph facilities for the operation of trains. It has functioned as a station since its construction. A freight shed was added to the rear of the building. Heritage Significance: The heritage significance of this building derives from the fact that it is the only extant example of a particular small-scale style railway station in Alberta and the only extant station with a mansard roof. It is one of the old stations of the historic Calgary-Edmonton railway line. This station is one of ten proposed for designation for its role in depicting early railway history in Alberta. Historical Importance : This building by itself, appears to be of local historical importance only, however, together with other extant stations of comparable age, it provides a visible history of railway development in Alberta. For this reason it is of historical importance to the Province. Architectural Importance: This building is similar to other small-scale CPR stations, but is the only extant example of this particular plan (CPR Plan X-6) in Alberta. It is also the only remaining station in Alberta with a mansard roof. It has retained its near-original appearance. For these reasons it is deemed of architectural importance to the Province. * * * "It's Home - for Now" by Bob Shiels August 23, 1983. Didsbury - After five years of 'frustration and red tape,' the Didsbury and District Historical Society finally has a home for its museum. They moved in last week. They hope to move out as soon as possible. ... Ironically, the old abandoned railway station sits directly opposite the new museum on the far side of the street. * * * CP Rail Station May Get New Tenant The Didsbury Pioneer January 30, 1985 Alberta Culture has been 'deep into negotiations' for the past 7 - 8 months to find a new tenant for the historic CP Rail building in Didsbury, the Pioneer has learned. ... He (Mr. Looey) said the building could 'probably stand another 100 years.' There are some problems with seepage in the basement of the structure, but, 'the bottom line is that building is sound,' he said. 'If things go properly we'll see a new tenant within the next year,' he added. ... * * * Original order for designation signed in 1978. Additional property designated April 1979. Order was rescinded July 1980 to reduce area of designation at request of town. Corrected order was signed October 3, 1980.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:
Provincial Historic Resource	1978/10/18

Register:

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places:	4665-0247