The Orangeville Railway Development Corporation board is working on plans to use $100,000 in insurance funds from the March fire that destroyed the historic Orangeville Bunkhouse toward a loading platform and small structure for tour train patrons.

About $24,000 of the amount has already been used for on-site cleanup after the fire levelled the two-storey building, leaving nothing but the chimney standing.

Gary Kocialek, general manager of the Orangeville Railway Development Corporation, said the board is working on plans to "revitalize" the area that include a concrete loading platform and potentially a new, smaller building.

The platform, estimated to cost $20,000, is expected to be constructed this summer.

"Any decisions with respect to an actual building still have to be made by the board," he said.

"They have authorized us to proceed with having an architect come up with some concepts and estimates.

"Then it will have to go back to the board for a decision as to initiate construction based on a certain design."

Mr. Kocialek mentioned that if a building were to be constructed it would be built closer to Townline for security reasons and to allow for more visibility, as the bunkhouse was located behind the former CPR passenger train station, which has long since been moved to Armstrong Street and serves as the Train Station restaurant.

"They haven't committed to actually building it,

but they have committed to exploring options for different looks."

"The idea," he said, "is to come up with something that has a historic look."

It would be built using modern construction materials to ensure the building is energy efficient.

The structure would have public washrooms and a public room, with railway artifacts, to be used for a variety of activities such as a waiting area (in bad weather) or a meeting room.

There would also be a small office for Cando Contracting Ltd., which operates the former CPR line between Orangeville and Streetsville as well as the Credit Valley Explorer, the three-coach tour train that currently runs most weekends between Orangeville and Snelgrove.

A meeting to decide on what type of building should be built will be held after the architect comes up with design options.