It's Canada Day, July 1, Canada's 148th birthday. What better day to post something about a new railway exhibit about Canada?
Germany has Miniatur Wunderland in
Hamburg, featuring a miniature version of railways in Europe.
In the U.S., there is Northlandz in
New Jersey and The Great Train Story in
Chicago—layouts that tell the story of railroads in that country.
Now Canada is getting its own miniature model
railroad version of itself: Our Home and Miniature Land.
The museum, located in a 4,000 square foot warehouse
in Mississauga, Ont., is the brainchild of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer.
Together with partner David MacLean, Jean-Louis
wants to create a cross-Canada train trip that will explore and teach visitors about
the history of the country.
Construction began in 2014. The goal is to open to
the public in 2017, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada.
Right now, they are working on the Ontario section,
focusing on the city of Toronto and the Niagara region.
When done, Jean-Louis and David envision a place
where people watch the trains travel through city and country scenery, using a
phone app to learn about Canada and its history.
To date, the project has cost about $2 million.
Jean-Louis estimates it could cost as much as $10 million when done.
“The
intent is to make [it] a prime tourist attraction, but not only that. It will
also serve as an educational learning centre for students and other interested
groups,” says a press release.
Jean-Louis and David are looking for more volunteers
to help him with the project, along with investors. If you live in the area and
want to help, or want to invest, contact him.
See videos of Our Home and Miniature Land from CTV and
from CITY TV. Also
read more about it in the Toronto Star.
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