Does anyone still care about Porter the little train engine?

Pondering the fate of Porter the train engine is still on the to-do list of the Sault Ste. Marie Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC)

Directed by City Council to prepare a list of options for the locomotive engine currently surrounded by lovely orange fencing in Bellevue Park, PRAC is waiting to hear from the local Municipal Heritage Committee on whether Porter can be designated a municipal heritage site.

"My impression is that at least it is of historic interest," Commissioner of Community Services Nick Apostle told PRAC members yesterday. "But I wouldn't want to put words in the mouth of the heritage committee and believe we should wait for their report before we make any recommendations."

After seeking input from the heritage committee, PRAC plans to come up with a list of options for City Council some time soon.

One member of the committee was asking yesterday how much interest the community has shown in the little train engine since SooToday.com's article this past summer.

"One thing that is for sure, is that nothing is going to happen to that piece of equipment until it is thoroughly investigated," said PRAC vice chair Joe Cain. "There was an initial flurry of e-mails through the mayor's office, which were forwarded to us, but nothing much came in after about two weeks."

Click here to tell your City councillors whether you still care about Porter