The CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre will open in September 2009, and will result in a major new facility for the Heritage Park and the community of Squamish. CN’s contribution also adds an environmentally friendly geo-thermal system for heating and cooling the building, a great addition to the project.

In announcing the CN donation, Chairman of the Board, David G. McLean said, "CN is very proud to support one of Canada's greatest railway heritage attractions that benefits families, communities and local business." Speaking of Squamish and CN's long history together, he added, "CN's roots go back to 1912 when Squamish was the headquarters for the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, which later became BC Rail, now a member of the CN family."

Regardless the weather, a great day was in store as we pulled out of North Vancouver. Our train consist was CN SD75I 5724, BCOL B39-8 3911, gen car Fraser Spirit, dome car American Spirit and business car Pacific Spirit. On board, we were treated to a lovely breakfast in the American Spirit’s dining room as we passed through West Vancouver, then enjoyed the favourite spot for this writer­the swivel chairs in the dome. A few photographers were out tracking the special train as it made its way to Squamish.

Arriving Squamish, the train backed into the Heritage Park’s north access track and we dropped the SD75 unit (one of our curves is a bit tight for the big C-C unit) and BCOL 3911 did the honours of backing the train right to the platform of the Mac Norris Station where a crowd was assembled for the announcement. We were right on time arriving and ready to go. The podium was at the south end of the platform, the CN logo on the Pacific Spirit was to our right, and the construction work was in full swing on the roundhouse just behind us. It was a perfect set up, and it was not raining!

At 1045, the group was called to order, and WCRA President Don Evans welcomed everyone to the Mac Norris Station at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. In welcoming everyone and noting the excitement over this great day, he noted one item of sadness, the passing of Mac Norris just a few days ago.

The official business then got underway, and Don introduced CN Chairman, David McLean, who announced CN’s donation to the completion of the Roundhouse and also the geo-thermal system that will be added to the project. The name CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre was officially announced. WCRA Chair, Colin Smith, then thanked CN for this important sponsorship and noted the long standing good relationship between CN and WCRA. Remarks were then made by the Hon. Kevin Falcon, the Hon. Joan McIntyre and His Worship Greg Gardner. Don Evans closed the proceedings, thanking everyone for coming and acknowledging the work of the Squamish staff and volunteers in putting the event together.

The official party then posed for photographs with the roundhouse construction in the background and we all moved inside to warm up!

Then it was time to go, guests were thanked one more time, and we boarded the train for the return to North Vancouver. The Ministers had departed for another announcement on the Sea to Sky Highway, and we were joined by Randy Powell, president of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations for the return trip. The train backed through the Squamish yard, onto the Squamish Terminals track, then around the wye and we headed for North Vancouver. Once again, a delightful ride enjoyed in the dome of the American Spirit.