It looks like local efforts to 'Save VIA' may be gaining traction.
The lobby of Stratford's VIA Rail Station was packed Friday afternoon for a meeting organized by the local grassroots organization in conjunction with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Kadie Ward is taking the train from Halifax to Vancouver to raise awareness about Canada's infrastructure deficit.
She was in Stratford for the meeting and says she can feel the city's passion for the railways.
Ward is an entrepreneur and economic advisor by trade.
She says investing in roads, railways, bridges and digital infrastructure makes good economic sense.
St Marys resident and 'Save VIA' organizer Chris West also addressed the gathering.
He spoke about the emotional connection he has with passenger rail service.
The Stone Town businessman also made the economic case for preserving and enhancing VIA Rail.
Sheila Clarke from the Canadian Federation of University Women also attended the event.
She says seniors need to the trains and as the baby boomers age they are going to need it more and more.
Clarke says Stratford, St Marys and the entire region has already taken an economic hit from the loss of VIA Train 86 last October and the general demise of passenger rail service.
People can follow Kadie Ward's journey on her website.
Anyone looking to get involved in the local campaign for VIA Rail passenger service can contact St Marys resident Chris West at 519-284-3310 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Facebook group 'SAVE VIA Train 86' can be found here.
For more about the CFUW, go to its website.
