Archaeology work is still bogged down at the historic Allandale train station.

On its website, the City of Barrie announced the stage four archaeological assessment on the property will continue throughout 2020. This study began in June 2018, but the deadline for completion has been officially pushed back twice.

“Given the nature of the site, it is taking longer than expected to complete the work,” city spokesperson Scott LaMantia said. “It is our understanding that (Allandale) is relatively large compared to other archaeological sites and the approximately 150 years of railway disturbance and compacted soil in the area makes the work more challenging. Also, they are unable to effectively complete archeological work during the winter.”

The land was a hub of Grand Trunk Railway activity in the early 1900s.

While the study is being undertaken in accordance with Ontario regulations, the site has been disturbed several times over the years, including during the erection of structures in the 19th century, a flood in 1896 and the construction of train station buildings in 1905.

The station’s passenger depot and restaurant were closed during the 1980s – VIA Rail and GO Transit last used the office building as a passenger waiting room and for ticket sales briefly in the early 1990s.

This study will help the city better understand the previous land use of this area over approximately the last 700 years.

First Nations partners – specifically, the Chippewas of Rama and Huron-Wendat – have been on-site monitoring the work, participating in decision-making and providing guidance to ensure that the process is culturally respectful.

To date, a large amount of archeological material has been recovered and the apparent foundation of the 1863 train station has been exposed. Upon completion of the excavations, the determination of the affiliation of any remains recovered from the site will be made.

The site is also the subject of a legal battle between the city and Correct Group of Companies that stretches back more than a decade, to a redevelopment deal that fell through between the parties and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.