The Victoria Railroad Co.

History: The Victoria Railway was first incorporated in February 1871 as the Fenelon Falls Railway Company by George Laidlaw and H.P. Dwight as an immigration scheme to settle the far reaches of what was to become Haliburton County. When the venture failed to receive government approval, Laidlaw expanded the project by renaming the line in March 1872 as the Lindsay, Fenelon Falls & Ottawa Railway Company with authority to build east to the Mattawa River Valley. Although most of the country the line would pass through was rugged and barren, it was anticipated that iron ore bodies in conjunction with vast timber limits would provide the company with adequate operating revenues. The name of the railway was subsequently changed to the Victoria Railway in March 1873. Construction commenced in August 1874. Interestingly, portions of the line were built by John Ross and William Mackenzie, notable railway men of the future. Construction crept along slowly as funds permitted with the line finally being opened for traffic its entire length in November 1878. As the anticipated mineral production never materialized, the railway languished for a number of years until being purchased by the Midland Railway as an expansion to its network in December 1880.

Approximate Mileage: 56 miles

Current Status: The entire line was known by Canadian National as the Haliburton Subdivision. It was abandoned in 1981.

Principle Stations: Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Kinmount and Haliburton.

Remaining Stations: A total of three Victoria Railway stations have survived. They are as follows:
1. Kinmount: In original location off Highway No. 503 as a seniors centre.
2. Howland Jct.: Moved to property nearby on Howland Junction Road as a shed.
3. Haliburton: In original location in park off York Street as an art guild and museum.