West Coast Railway Association receives $985,000 from federal government

The federal government has announced funding for the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA).

West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, an investment of $985,000 for the WCRA in support of its expansion and heritage preservation efforts.

“The success of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish is a testament to the dedication and hard work of over 1,500 volunteers. We are proud to support the West Coast Railway Association and its ongoing mission to preserve railway heritage in British Columbia for all Canadians to enjoy.” said Goldsmith-Jones.

The funding will be used to acquire and renovate a former BC Rail work shop, including a 3-story office facility on the west side of the building. The shop which the WCRA has leased for the past 13 years will allow the association to maintain, protect and preserve its historic collection of locomotives and railcars.

Chair of the WCRA’s Board of Directors Don Evans says the facility that is located across the street from the heritage park has enabled them to operate their vintage trains so that they could run events like the Polar Express – which would not have otherwise been possible; “now that we’re able to purchase it and own it, we know that we’ve got it for the long term and we can do even more in the future”.

The classrooms in the building will allow the association to hold heritage seminars and workshops for students. Tours will be also available to the public to learn more about the particular locomotives and railcars being restored, the practice of restoration and the history of railways in the province.