On a rainy Thursday, August 17^th, the St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP), in partnership with the Canadian Southern Railway Station (CASO) held Culture: Full Steam. Featuring local cultural booths and free train rides towards Port Stanley departing from the newly renovated South platform, the day highlighted the historical role of CASO station in promoting and facilitating immigration throughout Elgin County and Southwestern Ontario.

The rain began to fall in the morning, continuing throughout the afternoon and into the evening, forcing the relocation of the cultural booths and their ‘hosts’ from outside on the South platform to the second floor of Caso station. Despite the disruption, the participating cultural hosts were excited to detail their exhibit to all who ventured up the stairs for a visit. Meanwhile, the rain eventually abated in time for Aylmer’s Eddy Rempel, who immigrated to Canada as a child after being born in Mexico, to deliver an interesting and enjoyable account of his immigration story from aboard one of the free train rides traveling to and from Port Stanley.

The staff of the STELIP and CASO would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who participated. Here’s to better weather for next time!