One of Ponoka’s most historic landmarks was the Canadian Pacific Railway station along 50th street, which was built in 1891 and named Siding 14.
The construction of the main line between Edmonton and Calgary began in 1890, and featured hundreds of labourers and equipment laying tons of ties and steel rails that would become the future lifeline of villages, towns, and cities into the future! Massive steam freight and passenger trains rumbled into the stations day and night bringing supplies, mail and visitors to the growing communities.
These classic wooden stations were known as the ‘heart of town’, and thousands of citizens came out to meet the train on special occasions, such as royalty, entertainers , a hockey team bringing home a championship, and more!