CNR Water Tank

Heinsburg became a terminal and turnaround point for the Canadian National Railway Coronado subdivision in the 1920s after the proposed Heinsburg-Frenchman Butte link was cancelled. A water tank was needed at Mile 160 to supply Consolidated steam locomotives hauling freight and passengers, and the company completed a large tank for that purpose in July 1930. In addition to railroad use, the tank provided water for the Riverside Hotel and the old curling rink immediately southwest of it. Canadian National Railway discontinued the tank's operation in the 1960s. Only eight tanks of this size were built in Alberta, and this is the only one in Alberta still standing on its original location, with most of the plumbing installed in 1930 remaining intact. In the late 1960s, when CN planned to demolish the Heinsburg Water Tower, the Honorable Don Mazankowski, MP Vegreville, intervened on behalf of the local community after being alerted by County Councillor Bob Smith and Rudy Cote, halting its destruction.

Alberta · Canada