Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

The Trinity Train Loop has been designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador because of its historical and engineering values.

Historically, the Trinity Train Loop is significant because of its association with the Reid Newfoundland Company. The Reid Newfoundland Company was responsible for constructing the rail system across the Island. In addition to owning and operating the railway for 50 years, the Reid Company also operated coastal steamers, owned the St. John’s drydock, operated the government telegraph system and developed the first hydro-electric power in the country. The company greatly influenced the development of Newfoundland as a whole.

The Trinity Train Loop is valuable due to its engineering and as a rare example of an exposed rail loop in Canada. This narrow gauge (42″) railway track is one of the few remaining in the province. The circumference of the track is 2012 m, turning approximately 310 degrees, passing under itself, and emerging 10.46 m lower.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Trinity – Trinity Train Loop – FPT 160”

Character Defining Elements

All original features which relate to the age, engineering and construction of the rail loop including:

-original narrow gauge track;
-spiral construction and rise in elevation of the loop, and;
-location and dimensions of track line.

Community

Trinity, Trinity Bay

Municipality

Town of Trinity

Civic Address

Goose Cove

Construction (circa)

19700101 - 19700101

Builder

J.P. Powell (of Reid Nfld. Company), Reid Nfld. Company

Style

Other