Government of Canada Supports the Preservation of Railway Heritage in Squamish

SQUAMISH, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $1 million in funding for the West Coast Railway Association in support of its heritage preservation and expansion efforts.

The funding, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will be used to purchase and renovate a former BC Rail work shop, including a 3-storey office facility on the west side of the building and its surrounding 5 acres. The shop will allow the West Coast Railway Association to maintain, protect and preserve its historic collection of locomotives and railcars.

Quotes

"Canada's history is built on connecting our nation from coast to coast, thanks to our railways. Every train track is emblematic of our hard work and perseverance. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in the West Coast Railway Association as it continues to protect and honour this treasured part of our past."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"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 journey to preserve railway heritage in British Columbia for all Canadians to enjoy."

-Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country)

"The West Coast Railway Association is delighted to receive this funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage to assist in the project to permanently acquire the Squamish railway shop. The Association has leased this facility for the past 11 years and it has been a key asset in the preservation and restoration of Canada's second largest heritage railway collection. The shop has become an integral part of what we are able to accomplish at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish."

-Don Evans, President, West Coast Railway Association

Quick Facts

• The West Coast Railway Association, established in 1961, is a non-profit society with a mandate to preserve British Columbia's vintage locomotives and railcars. They operate the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, a 12-acre site replicating a turn-of-the century railway town including multiple buildings, a train station, a mini-rail and the CN Roundhouse and Community Centre.
• The organization has the second largest collection of vintage locomotives in Canada.
• Funding will also support efforts to upgrade the railway shop by installing new security and fire prevention systems, as well as insulation upgrades to ensure climate and moisture control.
• The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated Links

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

West Coast Railway Association

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