The West Coast Railway Association receives funding to acquire and improve railway shop
SQUAMISH, BC, March 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament (West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country), today announced an investment of $985,000 for the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) in support of its expansion and heritage preservation efforts. She made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
The funding, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will be used to acquire and renovate a former BC Rail work shop, including a 3-storey office facility on the west side of the building. The shop will allow the WCRA to maintain, protect and preserve its historic collection of locomotives and railcars.
The classrooms in the office facility will allow the WCRA 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 British Columbia.
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 Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"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."
—Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular 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 and upgrade the Squamish railway shop. The Association has leased this facility for the past 13 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, Chair, Board of Directors, West Coast Railway Association
Quick Facts
The West Coast Railway Association, established in 1961, is a not-for-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 & Conference Centre.
The WCRA has amassed the second largest collection of heritage railway stock in the country, totalling 90 pieces.
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
West Coast Railway Association
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian, Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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