Railway Facilities – Keeping the
Trains Rolling
Railway towns were designed for convenience. The station was the focal
point and the main business area and hotels were positioned nearby
Water and coal were the twin fuels that kept the steam engines running.
Modern yards were already seeing the introduction of labour saving
efficiencies such as the coal dock, and a mechanized re-fueling
station.
A good water supply was essential, especially in a large operation such
as Rivers. That is why riverside locations are ideal. Water to fill the
tower came from a dam about a kilometre to the south from a dam on the
Little Saskatchewan River.
The Rivers
Yards were a busy place, employing dozens of people for each
shift. These were steady, well paying jobs that helped build the
community.
This
aerial view of the Rivers Yards shows the main features
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