Divisional point

In Canada, a divisional point is a railway depot that includes more than just a basic siding or station.

Overview

In the coal and steam era, a divisional point would include such amenities as a substantial passenger station, freight and baggage sheds, a roundhouse, water tank, coaling and sanding facilities, and repair shops for locomotives and rolling stock.

In areas dominated by the railway, the choice of a town as a divisional point was typically pivotal in that town's growth. Many towns and cities across southern Canada are current or former divisional points. Examples include: Kelowna, British Columbia, Calgary, Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Melville, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Capreol, Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, McAdam, New Brunswick and Moncton, New Brunswick.