Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway Co : The Wellington, Grey & Bruce Railway was constructed within south-central Ontario, with the main line extending between the communities of Guelph and Southampton on the shores of Lake Huron, and a branch line that was built from Palmerston west to Kincardine. Chartered by Acts 31 Vic., Cap. 13 and 34 Vic., Cap 37., the Wellington, Grey & Bruce Railway (WG&BR) was originally conceived as the Canada North-West Railway Company with its incorporation in May 1856 to construct a line from Southampton on Lake Huron southeast to Toronto on Lake Ontario. The intention was to create a shorter route of trade between the two communities and those it joined, in addition to establishing a through route to the west in conjunction with Great Lake steamer connections. The project as well included the construction of a branch line to Owen Sound and a connection with the Grand Trunk Railway at Guelph. Five years later, the charter lapsed after no construction had taken place, but was revived as the Wellington, Grey & Bruce Railway in June 1864 with support from many local people and politicians. Provisions within the amending document allowed for a change in the terminus to Guelph and the ability to merge with the Great Western Railway (GWR). Once enough subsidies had been collected from adjoining townships and communities, construction commenced in June 1867. Work progressed slowly as the line now had competition in the Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway for further funding sources. In June of 1869, lease arrangements were made with the GWR to supply equipment and rolling stock, and for operation. The line was finally open for traffic from Guelph to Harriston, a distancemof 49 miles, in October 1871. That same year, permission had been granted to construct a branch line to Kincardine. The remainder of the mainline to Southampton was completed in December 1872 while work on the new Kincardine branch, leading from Palmerston through Listowel, was initiated. Its route was not direct as a result of the haphazard final dispersement of subsidies by area communities. While the branch was ready for traffic as of November 1873, the line sat unused until December 1874 pending the settlement of funds between the contractor and the WG&B. The proposed branches form Clifford to Durham and Kincardine to Owen Sound were never completed. The company eventually became part of the Grand Trunk system with that company's purchase of the Great Western in August 1882, and amalgamation in 1893, thus becoming the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada. Hughs, Robert J."The Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway." The Ontario Railway History Page. 30 Dec. 1997. Online posting. Primus Telecommunications Canada Incorporated. 29 Feb. 2001. 1539
