Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Engine House Historic Site

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025

1. Engine House Historic Site Marker

Inscription. On this site stood the engine house built for the Erie and Ontario Railroad when service began in 1854. The engine house was a wooden structure, about 40 feet (12) wide and 75 feet (23 m) long. It was wide enough to accommodate two steam locomotives side by side. The entrance to the engine house faced Lockhart Street. Locomotives entered the building on a railway line which ran from the nearby turntable located on Turntable Way.

Locomotives were parked overnight in the engine house to allow a watchman to tend the fire and maintain sufficient steam pressure in the boiler for the first train out in the morning. All that remains today of the engine house is the concrete foundation of the repair pit, which was about 6 feet (2 m) deep. It provided access to the underside of the locomotive, so that a mechanic could carry out inspections, maintenance and repair work as required. The engine house was demolished in 1926 when passenger service was terminated to Niagara-on- the-Lake.

This is a site of historic interest as designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this

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topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 43° 15.38′ N, 79° 3.889′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is at the intersection of Turntable Way and Lockhart Street, on the right when traveling north on Turntable Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 Lockhart Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

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: Turntable Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara Harbour and Dock Company (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Niagara-on-the-Lake's Railroad (about 240 meters away); Butler's Rangers (approx.

Engine House Historic Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025

2. Engine House Historic Site

These rails represent the site of the engine house.

0.3 kilometers away); Polish Soldier’s Burial Plot 1917 – 1919 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); St. Mark’s Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Gleaner Printing and Masonic Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Solo Swims Of Ontario (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Locomotive Turntable (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.