The CNR Station

The Brampton station was built in 1907 by the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR), which was later acquired by Canadian National Railways (CNR). The building was subsequently taken over by Via Rail, and is now used by Via and GO Transit for passenger service.

The GTR experienced an era of remarkable profitability at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, which led the company to rebuild many of their stations, including this one. This larger and grander structure represents the optimism of the company, as well as the aspirations of the local community. Rail connections in Brampton facilitated the existence of several commercial enterprises, including flower cultivation for widespread markets.

The station combines the wide-arched opening of the Romanesque Revival with certain details of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The general organization of the facades and the disposition of internal spaces adhere to a pattern that GTR stations followed at the time.

Brampton’s growth and prosperity are intrinsically linked to the development of the railway. The first railway era in Brampton coincided with the provisions of social institutions, the consolidation of church congregations, and the selection of Brampton as the county seat. During the second railway era, additional social and municipal infrastructure emerged, as did large-scale industry. Significant industries such as Haggert’s Foundry established themselves. Perhaps most indicative of the role of the railway is the cluster of warehouses and businesses around the station grounds. Many of the industrial buildings can still be found today, among them the Hewetson Shoe Factory and Dominion Skate building.