Mirabel station is a former railway stop located in the municipality of Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. The station served passenger trains on the Canadian National Railway (CN) line and was historically part of the Via Rail network until its closure in the late 20th century.
Overview
Mirabel station was situated near the intersection of Rue de la Station and Autoroute 15, approximately 45 km northwest of Montreal. The facility included a modest wooden station building, a single side platform, and basic passenger amenities. It primarily catered to local residents and commuters traveling between Montreal and the northern suburbs of the Greater Montreal area.History
- Construction and early years (1900s‑1930s) – The station originated as a flag stop on the CN line that connected Montreal with the Upper Laurentians. It was built in the early 1900s to serve the agricultural communities surrounding Mirabel.
- Mid‑20th century expansion (1940s‑1970s) – With the growth of Mirabel’s population and the opening of the Mirabel International Airport (1975), passenger traffic increased modestly. The station building was renovated in 1968 to include a waiting room and ticket office.
- Decline and closure (1980s‑1990s) – The rise of automobile travel and limited rail service led to a steady drop in patronage. By 1985, Via Rail reduced service frequency to a single daily train, and the station was officially closed in 1995. The building was later dismantled, and the site was repurposed for a small commercial parking lot.
Services (at time of operation)
- Passenger trains – Served by Via Rail’s “Montreal–Jonquière” and “Montreal–Senneterre” routes, providing two to three round‑trip services per day.
- Freight operations – The CN line continues to be an active freight corridor; however, the station itself no longer handles cargo.
Location and access
Mirabel station was located at the following coordinates: 45°40′12″ N, 73°58′43″ W. The site was accessible via local roadways, and a small parking area accommodated passengers arriving by automobile.Future prospects
While the original station structure no longer exists, the CN line remains operational, and regional transit authorities have occasionally discussed the possibility of reinstating a commuter rail stop in Mirabel to serve the growing population and alleviate road congestion. As of 2024, no concrete plans have been announced.See also
- [[Mirabel, Quebec]]
- [[Mirabel International Airport]]
- [[Via Rail]]
- [[Canadian National Railway]]
References
- Canadian National Railway Archives, “Station List – Quebec (1900‑1995)”, CN Historical Records, accessed March 2024.
- “History of Mirabel”, Municipal Gazette, vol. 12, no. 3 (1998), pp. 45‑48.
- Transport Canada, “Rail Passenger Services in Quebec – A Retrospective”, Transport Canada Publication, 2001.
[[Category:Railway stations in Quebec]] [[Category:Defunct railway stations in Canada]] [[Category:Mirabel, Quebec]]