Parry Sound Railway Connections

Concerning the proposed spur line from the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway to the Village of Parry Sound, a certain misapprehension which has evidently existed should be corrected. It will surprise many to learn that the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway does not possess for western terminus the Town of Parry Sound, but, owing to difficulties in the approach to that thriving place, as well as for superior harbor facilities, the railway passes some four miles south, and reaches the Georgian Bay at Depot Harbor, on the large bay known as Parry Sound. The citizens of the Town of Parry Sound have long been desirous of having the railway brought into the town. With this in view a large deputation of the leading citizens of that place, with Mr. George McCormick, M.P., and Mr. J. R. Booth of Ottawa, last week interviewed the Government. Mr Booth does not wish to build the branch, but will operate it if built. This caused the Parry Sound representatives to turn to Messrs. Mackenzie & Mann as practical builders. It was learned that their charter for the James Bay Railway fitted in exactly; that already it was bonused by the Ontario Legislature for $3,000 per mile, while there were several miles of of unused Dominion subsidy for the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound tha tcould be transferred or a new subsidy granted. At a conference between Messrs. Mackenzie & Mann, J. R. Booth and the Parry Sound people, led by Mayor Johnson, Messrs. Geo. McCormick, M.P., and W. R. Beatty, M.P.P., it was agreed to work in harmony and to construct the road as soon as possible. The plan favored is construct under the James Bay charter, and to proceed northward to the Magnetawan, and onward with due despatch. This will fulfill Mackenzie & Mann's obligation in respect of the commencement of the James Bay Railway construction.

Railways: J.B.Ry., O.A. & P.S.Ry.

Stations: Depot Harbor, James Bay, Parry Sound

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