HomeMy WebLinkAboutOES 13-05 REPORT TO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Report Number: OES 13-05
Date: May 3, 2005
Stephen Reynolds
Division Head, Culture & Recreation
Subject:
Pickering Museum Village
Request to De-Accession Quarry Engine
Recommendation:
1. That Report OES 13-05 regarding the request to de-accession the quarry engine
at the Pickering Museum Village be received; and
That Council approve the deaccessioning of the quarry engine from the Pickering
Museum Village; and
3. That Council approve the donation of the quarry engine to the Ontario Steam
Heritage Museum Inc.; and
That staff be authorized to enter into an appropriate disposal agreement
respecting the quarry engine; and
5. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be given the authority to give
effect thereto.
Executive Summary:
The Pickering Museum Village is currently home to a 1900's quarry engine located on a
length of track just north of the steam shed on the Museum site. The quarry engine has
no particular heritage significance to Pickering Township and is not used for any
programming or interpretive purpose. At present, it is taking up valuable space on site
and poses a safety risk as children try to climb on it.
The Pickering Museum Village Advisory Committee and staff recommend the quarry
engine be deaccessioned and donated to the Ontario Steam Heritage Museum located
in Puslinch, Ontario.
Report OES 13-05
Subject: Pickering Museum Village
Request to De-Accession Quarry Engine
Date: May 3, 2005
Page 2
Financial Implications:
The Ontario Steam Heritage Museum will be responsible for all costs to remove and
relocate the Quarry Engine from the Pickering Museum Village to their location,
Background:
The Pickering Museum Village Advisory Committee recommend the deaccessioning of
the quarry engine (photo attached) that is presently on a length of track just north of the
steam shed on the Museum site.
The quarry engine was built in 1919 by the Vulcan Iron Works in Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania for a construction company in Illinois. The Vulcan Works operated from
1878-1957 and made over 5500 narrow-guage locomotives. In 1913, it was purchased
by another construction company which had been hired to work on repairs and
expansion of the Trent Canal system. It was at that time that it was used in a quarry
near Kirkfield, Ontario. It was subsequently purchased by the Dufferin Construction Co.
for use in a quarry near Burlington, Ontario. That quarry was opened in August 1921 to
provide crushed stone for provincial highway construction. The engine was in use until
the start of World War II when it was parked at the entrance to the quarry until it was
donated to the Museum, circa 1972.
At its February 8, 2005 meeting, the Pickering Museum Advisory Committee approved a
motion recommending the quarry engine be deaccessioned and donated to the Ontario
Steam Heritage Museum located in Puslinch, Ontario. This engine has been a subject
of concern for staff and the Museum Advisory Committee for a number of years
because of safety with children climbing on it and health factors associated with
asbestos which has been encapsulated.
The engine has no particular heritage significance to Pickering Township. The Gas &
Steam Barn Volunteers have stated they do not have the time and funds available
(estimated to be approximately $70,000 to restore the engine and make it operational)
given other priorities in their area.
The Ontario Steam Heritage Museum has an extensive collection and facility that is
open to the public on several occasions each year. Once acquired by the Ontario
Steam Heritage Museum, the quarry engine will be restored and be operational on a ¼
mile track on site. Their site includes a small limestone quarry. The quarry engine will
then be available for public education and enjoyment. A plaque would be on display
recognizing the City of Pickering and Pickering Museum Village donation.
CORP0227-07/01
Report OES 13-05
Subject: Pickering Museum Village
- Request to De-Accession Quarry Engine
Date: May 3, 2005
Page 3
With approval from City Council, the Pickering Museum Advisory Committee and City
staff would proceed to deaccession and donate the quarry engine to the Ontario Steam
Heritage Museum.
Attachments:
Location Map.
Photos of Quarry Engine.
Prepared~~/~......
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Division"l-~adi"Culture & Recreation
Approved / Endorsed/~:
Director, Operations & Emergency Services
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Attachments
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering City ~oun¢it. , I
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CORP0227-07/01
OPERATIONS & EMERGENCY
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CULTURE g RECREATION DIVISION
NTS May 4/2005
SIXTH CONCESSION ROAD
REPORT TO COUNCIL J~
PICKERING MUSEUM VILLAGE
DE-ACCESSION OF QUARRY ENGINE AND DONATION
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