When the Prince Edward Island Railway was no longer used for the movement of railway cars, the tracks were removed and the idea of a tip- to-tip walking and cycling trail was conceived.

In 1990 the Prince Edward Island Snowmobile Association was incorpo- rated. Its members were influential in the decision by the government of Prince Edward Island to purchase the entire railway landholding on the Island in August 1994. The Snowmobile Association then obtained a lease to the property. Its members helped develop it, obtaining labour to cut the encroaching brush that was growing along its edge. Snowmobiles have the right to use the Trail during the snow season.

During the remainder of the year, it is for the use of walkers, joggers and cyclists. The surface of the trail is spread with stone dust. Shelters, signs and benches are placed at regular intervals. Parallel equestrian trails have been developed between Summerside and Travellers Rest and from O’Leary to Coleman. The trail is managed by the Provincial Parks.

THE CONFEDERATION TRAIL was chosen for its name. The LAST SPIKE cere- mony marking the official opening took place in Summerside on August 12, 2000. The Confederation Trail is a portion of the Trans Canada Trail being developed across Canada.

Left: Northam Station as it appeared in July, 1933.

Below: Train stopped due to a slight derailment as it approached Northam Station, coming from Richmond. The top of Ivan Linkletter’s house is in the backgroundThe corner of the station is shown on the left. -—FROM PAULINE MILLAR COLLECTION

60 Roors & BRANCHES