Barrie in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Railyard Workers
| — | Waterfront Heritage Trail | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
1. Railyard Workers Marker
Dirty, Hard Job
In the age of steam, it took an army of workers to keep the “iron horses” going at all hours of the day, making it a key occupation during the early development of Canada. Work in the rail yard ensured that the stable of locomotives were mechanically serviced, stocked with coal and water, linked up with the right rail cars and set on the correct track, all under a tight schedule. A worker might see more than 40 years of heavy labour before retirement.
”Hand brakes, road bed not the best, link and pin couplings, meant the loss of fingers, at least, for many brakemen and conductors.
Wages were low and hours long. The pay car was a welcome sight once a month.”
Quotes by Fred Grant. Grant, Fred. “Allandale Railway Stature” E13 B6 R4B S3 Sh5, p. 280. Simcoe County Archives
Erected by Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 44° 22.45′ N, 79° 40.844′ W. Marker is in Barrie, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Lakeshore Drive one kilometer west of Miner's Point Road, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Roundhouse (here, next to this marker); Coal Chute (here, next to this marker); Frederic Cumberland (here, next to this marker); The Railyards at their Peak (here, next to this marker); Master Mechanics Building and Stores Department (here, next to this marker); In Recognition of the Rotary Club of Barrie Tree Planting Program (within shouting distance of this marker); Barrie's Military Heritage Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Military Heritage Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barrie.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail Station #3 — The Rail Yards
Courtesy “Beautiful Barrie; The City and Its People”
2. Marker detail: Allandale Rail Yard Workers, ca. 1918
Allandale rail yard workers posed on old rail ties in front of a Canadian Northern boxcar. Photo by Gary Saunders, Barrie. His paternal great uncle Frances Gill is in the picture.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
3. Railyard Workers Marker
Looking west from the Barrie Southshore Community Centre. It is the third from the right of six related interpretive panels at this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
