Caption: Having lived in Stratford in the mid 80's for a brief time, young railfans alike couldn't help but notice how much of a railway city Stratford truly was. There, many lines branched out in all directions, covering much of Ontario's scenic countryside. This trip brought me to the region, not for joyous reasons. However, two things I have to do each time I return. ..a trip to Rheos Chocolates, and of course to the station and yards. This time, aside from a CN engine shunting cars behind me....my focus was trying to capture the night time aura on a very cold and frigid January evening. I don't do many night photos...but I could not pass up the warm glow of the stations exterior lights. And to think...just how many passengers have been here before me, and felt 'welcomed' by these lights. Sadly, things have changed and aren't what they used to be in Stratford. But between the experimental GO train service (platform was there at time of photo), CN and GEXR sharing freight...and VIA still calling.....one still feels 'welcomed' by these station lights, arriving to the 'railway city'.