Downtown Duncan – Canada Avenue

The former E&N Railway Station, now the Cowichan Valley Museum, is a landmark heritage building in downtown Duncan. It is located in Charles Hoey Park at Canada Avenue between Station Street and Kenneth Street.

The former E&N Railway Station is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places as the Canadian Pacific Railway Station (VIA Rail).

The former Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) Railway Station, now the Cowichan Valley Museum, Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.
The former Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) Railway Station, now the Cowichan Valley Museum, 120 Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.

Here is a map showing the location of the Cowichan Valley Museum, located in the former E&N Railway Station:

The E&N Railway Station was built in 1912. The first station master was Roland Clayton Fawcett (1867-1923), who was also a member of the local Freemasons lodge, Temple Lodge, No.33 A.F.&A.M. and played a role in the planning and construction of the Duncan Masonic Temple, which still stands at 163 Canada Avenue, across the street from the E&N Railway Station.

Roland Clayton Fawcett in Masonic regalia, circa 1915 (Photo courtesy of Temple Lodge, No.33 A.F.&A.M.)
Roland Clayton Fawcett (1867-1923), the first stationmaster at the E&N Railway Station, in Masonic regalia, circa 1915 (Photo courtesy of Temple Lodge, No.33 A.F.&A.M.)

 

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