Ontario Pacific Railway Co. - 1880's-1890's dated Railroad Stock Certificate

Railroad Stock from Canada printed by Mail Printing Co. 

The Ontario Pacific Railway concept was initially conceived by Cornwall, Ontario, politicians Dr. Darby Bergin (Member of Parliament) and Joseph Kerr (Member of the Legislature) in 1880. Four distinct plans were proposed:

- Plan #1: The line would commence in Cornwall and extend to Crysler, concluding in Perth. A branch from Cornwall to Ottawa was also included, with the Ottawa terminus situated on King Edward Avenue, on the University of Ottawa campus.

- Plan #2: The line would start in Cornwall and proceed to Newington, subsequently passing through Smiths Falls and ending in Perth. A branch from Cornwall to Ottawa was also incorporated.

- Plan #3: The line would begin in Cornwall and extend to Newington, followed by a route through Smiths Falls and concluding in Perth. A branch from Cornwall to Crysler was also included.

- Plan #4: The line would commence in Cornwall and proceed to Newington, subsequently passing through Smiths Falls, Perth, Glen Tay, and Actinolite. The line would then junction at Madoc to connect with the Grand Junction Railway, granting the company running rights to Peterborough. Additionally, running rights over the Midland Railway of Canada from Peterborough to Orillia would be granted. Finally, running rights over the Northern & North Western Railway from Orillia to Gravenhurst would be granted. The company would then construct a northward extension, terminating east of the French River settlement.

The debate of the four plans continued until it was agreed that the proposed route would start in Cornwall and end in Sault Ste. Marie. It would pass through Embrun, Richmond, Perth, Lake St. Peter, French River, and Sault Ste. Marie. There would also be branches from Pickerel Lake to Parry Sound, Manotick to Ottawa, and Cornwall through Malone to Lyon Mountain, with a bridge over the St. Lawrence River connecting Cornwall to any American railroad.

Bergin & Kerr’s company received its charter on May 17, 1882, as the Ontario Pacific Railway. The approved route was from Cornwall to Ottawa, passing through Arnprior and Eganville to Lake Nipissing and ending at a point near French River. There would also be a branch from Cornwall to Smiths Falls or Perth. Additionally, the company had the right to build a bridge over the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall to connect to any American railroad.

On May 25, 1883, the proposed route was extended to Sault Ste. Marie. The branch to Smiths Falls or Perth would depart from the main line at Newington and proceed through Carleton Place, concluding in Almonte. A third branch would leave the main line between Eganville and Renfrew, ending in Pembroke.

Although Bergin continued promoting his railway, Kerr had to step aside to focus on his other ventures. Over the years, the Ontario Pacific Railway remained dormant, despite frequent meetings, but no progress was made. It was during a fateful train trip in 1896 between Ottawa and Coteau Station that Bergin met Charles Hibbard, the owner of the Northern New York Railroad. This meeting marked the beginning of progress. A deal was struck between the two businessmen, leading to the collaboration of their companies to form a single line from Ottawa to New York City. Tragically, Bergin’s dream of seeing his railway come to fruition was cut short by his passing in October of that year. His brother, John, assumed control, and on May 21, 1897, the Ontario Pacific Railway underwent a name change to the Ottawa & New York Railway.a to New York City. Bergin did not see his dream come true, as he died that October. His brother, John, took the reins and the Ontario Pacific Railway changed its name on May 21, 1897, to the Ottawa & New York Railway.

Read More

Read Less