Canal District owner opposes plan to move Agawa Canyon Tour Train station

Tony Porco says he would prefer the train remain at its current station

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal train whistle, a leather-bound train ticket, and a set of vintage brass keys, conceptually representing the transportation, tourism, and community impact of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train's relocation.A symbolic still life captures the tension between business interests and community impact as the Agawa Canyon Tour Train departs its longtime station in the Canal District.Sault Ste. Marie Today

The owner of the Canal District in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Tony Porco, is disappointed by the announcement that the Agawa Canyon Tour Train will be moving its departure point from the current station to a rail yard on Carmen's Way. Porco says he doesn't want the train to move, but understands it's a business decision. Watco, the company that took over the tour train in 2021, says the move will provide more convenient parking and highway access for passengers, as well as enable them to streamline staging and boarding procedures.

Why it matters

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a major tourist attraction in the region, and the Canal District has invested in the train station as part of a joint initiative with the local economic development corporation. The relocation of the departure point could impact foot traffic and business in the Canal District.

The details

Watco, the company that purchased the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and a large portion of the Algoma Central Railway line in 2021, announced it will be moving the train's departure point from the current station in the Canal District to a rail yard on Carmen's Way. Watco says the new location will offer more convenient parking and highway access, as well as allow them to streamline boarding procedures. However, the Canal District's owner, Tony Porco, is disappointed by the news and would prefer the train to remain at the current station, which underwent renovations as part of a joint initiative with the local economic development corporation in 2021.

  • In 2021, Watco purchased the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and a large portion of the Algoma Central Railway line.
  • Also in 2021, the provincial government pooled together $5 million for projects at the Canal District, including the new train station, which became the official home for the tour train.
  • Ticket sales for the upcoming 2026 season began on April 3, with the season running from early August to mid-October.

The players

Tony Porco

The owner of the Canal District properties in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, including the current Agawa Canyon Tour Train station.

Watco

The company that took over the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in 2021 after purchasing it and a large portion of the Algoma Central Railway line.

Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp.

The local economic development corporation that partnered with Tony Porco on the joint initiative to renovate the Canal District train station in 2021.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bottom line is, we don't want them to move, but what are you going to do? They're a business and not getting the support, I guess.”

— Tony Porco, Owner, Canal District

“This change enables us to streamline staging and boarding procedures, which in turn allows passengers to enjoy additional time at Agawa Canyon Park.”

— Tracie VanBecelaere, Spokesperson, Watco

What’s next

Watco says it is continuing to develop the site design and operational details for the new train station location while meeting all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements. Accessibility, safety, and customer comfort remain central priorities as they prepare the new location.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train's departure point from the Canal District to a rail yard on Carmen's Way highlights the tensions between business interests and community impact. While the move may provide operational benefits for the tour train, it could negatively impact the Canal District and its investment in the train station. This story underscores the need for open communication and collaboration between businesses and local stakeholders when making decisions that affect the community.