Our Mission

Waterloo Central Railway is proudly operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS), a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization.

They are operated by a very talented team of volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of heritage railway equipment. All donations go towards supporting restoration programs that are ultimately used for the education and enjoyment of our passengers and the preservation of the history of railways in Canada.

The Effects of COVID-19:

As a small, non-profit charity, the closure of their operations with no certain opening date has dramatically impacted the prospects of their future operations. In addition to donations received, proceeds from tickets sales are essential to fund not only their operations, but the maintenance and restoration of their equipment used for the heritage train rides.

As this pandemic looms on they are concerned if they are permitted to operate, it may be at such a limited capacity that it will not be enough to support these projects and will ultimately affect the future of their train experiences and educational opportunities.

Historically thousands of memories have been made aboard their trains and they hope to continue to make memories and teach future generations about the history of Canadian railways.

Current fundraising efforts will support the ongoing repair and restoration of our railway equipment and assist with costs associated with meeting all requirements related to safe operations under COVID-19.

About Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society

The Society was formed in 1986 to preserve, restore and operate steam locomotives and heritage railway equipment for public education and heritage preservation.

Our volunteers maintain and operate a fleet of heritage railway equipment including Waterloo Central Railway Steam Locomotive Number 9, built in 1923. Number 9 is one of the few operational steam engines in Canada.

To support their restoration work the Society formed the Waterloo Central Railway which operates between Waterloo, the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market and the Village of St. Jacobs, Ontario with heritage railcars and diesel locomotives. Waterloo Central Railway Steam Locomotive Number 9 makes excursions throughout the year.

Volunteers and friends of the society undertake the restoration and repair of its equipment on site in St. Jacobs at their Maintenance and Restoration Facility.

Restore x-CPR G5 locomotive #1238

Why donate to Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (Waterloo Central Railway) on CanadaHelps?