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The History of the Construction of the Canadian Railway
The history of the construction of the Canadian railway begins at the beginning of the 19th century. The development of steam railways in the 19th century revolutionized the transportation system in Canada. In particular, he played a crucial role in the building of the country.
Railways are also key players in the process of industrialization, in the development of new markets and in bringing regions together, while establishing a strong demand for resources and technology. The construction of transcontinental railways, such as the Canadian Pacific, also contributed to the establishment of colonies in the West, and played an integral role in the expansion of Confederation.
However, the railways also had an impact on the division of the country. Indeed, the public has alternately praised and criticized the involvement of governments in the development of railways, as well as the scale of subsidies offered to railway companies.
The History of Canadian Railway Construction: from the 1800s to the 1970s
In New France, people used to travel by boat, cart or horse-drawn carriage. The roads were bumpy, muddy, and generally in very poor condition. In addition, in winter, the icy rivers prevented all navigation in the territory. Not to mention the heavy snow which isolates communities. To overcome this traffic problem, the country therefore thought about a practical solution: creating rail links.
Here are some of the major dates of significant events in the history of Canadian railway construction:
- In 1800, the first wooden rails on inclined planes were installed to facilitate the transport of goods;
- In 1827, the large construction site of the Rideau Canal, in Ottawa, was responsible for the laying of wooden rails between the Hog's Back quarry and Nepean to allow the connection between the two;
- In 1839, we witnessed the inauguration of the first industrial railway line in Canada, in Nova Scotia;
- In 1836, the first public railway line was inaugurated, by the Champlain and Saint-Laurent Railway Company (Champlain & St., Lawrence Railroad), in Quebec.
- In 1852, the Grand Trunk Railway Company was founded in Montreal. This company will be, for several decades, the most important company in Canada;
- In 1853, the Grand Trunk Company established the first cross-border line in North America. It will connect Montreal and Portland, Maine;
- In 1856, the Montreal-Toronto rail link was established;
- In 1867, the 1er July, Confederation is born with Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario;
- In 1870, Manitoba joined Confederation;
- In 1871, British Columbia also joined Confederation, on the condition that a transcontinental railway be built to connect it with the eastern provinces of the country;
- In 1876, a new Intercolonial Railway linked the four founding countries of the Confederation;
- In 1881, the Canadian Pacific Company was founded;
- In 1886, the first train crossed Canada. It leaves from Dalhousie station, in Montreal, and arrives at Port Moody, in Granville, the former Vancouver.
The History of the Construction of the Canadian Railway: economic and industrial impact
The somewhat difficult beginnings of the early railways led to significant public expenditure. These expenditures were in the form of cash grants, guaranteed interest, land grants, tax refunds and rights of way.
In return, railways contribute to general economic development. Without forgetting their indirect benefits on industrialization and the development of the job market.
Toronto's total domination of the Canadian rail network
Toronto's dominant position in south-central Ontario is established by its numerous rail connections. Indeed, the city benefits from its links with the Great Western and its central position on the network of the "Grand Trunk Railway Company", although it did not really contribute to the construction of one or more other.
Although railways were also built in sparsely populated and unindustrialized regions, they were not as profitable. They will then decrease in size and importance over the years.
The industrial impact of railways in Canada
Railways play a crucial role in the industrialization process. In particular, they make it possible to link the different Canadian provinces and open the way to new markets. Additionally, they contribute to increasing demand for fuel, iron and steel.
Entrepreneurs then began to invest in the manufacturing of everything necessary for railway operations. Therefore, it can be said that railways have a real positive effect on the employment sector. The country's small towns are then reconverted into railway service and maintenance centers. A large majority of the population will become dependent on rail businesses. As an example, we can cite the “Cobourg Car Works” which employed more than 300 people in 1881.
The railway also had a decisive impact on the physical characteristics of Canadian cities. Several hotels and industries will be built around railway tracks, construction sites and stations.
Finally, the railroad provided a great boost to engineering, including the demand it created for bridges and tunnels. Canadians will also contribute to some revolutionary inventions such as the first effective braking system and the rotating turbine snow plow. These inventions will allow safe and regular travel during Canadian winters.
The great Canadian railway engineer, Sir Sandford Fleming, proposed his famous time zone system to remedy the problem raised by time differences from one locality to another along railway links.
The History of Canadian Railway Construction: the challenges
More recently, Canadian railways have faced challenges from other modes of transportation. This then gave rise to serious changes, whether for the Canadian National Railway or the Canadian Pacific. These changes include, among others, the privatization of the Canadian National Railway in 1995, and the rationalization of Canadian Pacific operations.
These two railways are particularly important for the country, since they contribute to the transportation of bulk goods in North America (coal, grain, etc.). Finished products are also transported by train, using rail containers which can be easily transferred between trains, ships and trucks.
Passenger travel, however, has declined greatly. To compensate for this loss, the Canadian government offered direct subsidies to the railways from 1967 to 1977. These subsidies ended with the creation of VIA Rail in 1977, which in 1978 became a crown corporation.
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