Squamish -

Volunteers play a huge role in any association. The West Coast Railway Association, which has over 400 members, is proud to boast that last year more than 35% of its members contributed some active volunteer hours for the group. This is well above the average for volunteer participation among charitable organizations. In 1994, the Association received the Heritage Society of British Columbia's Volunteer Achievement Award for the 10,000 hours members contributed to open the Railway Heritage Park in Squamish. Volunteerism continued to grow; 1995 recording 15,000 hours, 1996 with 19,000hours, 1997 at 21,000 hours, and last year - a new record - of 25,425 hours. Included in the volunteer hours total are contributions from various committees that work toward the Association's goals. An example is the Tours Committee, which organizes and runs over a dozen trips per year, generating additional revenue for restoration of the group's valuable artifacts.

Developed and operated by the West Coast Railway Association, the Squamish tourist and rail-fan attraction first opened for guests in 1994. Since that year, the Park has seen guest visits grow by an average of 30% annually, with 21,500 in 1998 and 30,000 projected for this year. The association recently announced that the Heritage Park will remain open year round, rather than operate seasonally as in its early years. Since opening, over 75,000 visitors have visited, contributing $3 million to the area economy.

On Monday, July 19 at 11:00AM, the Association recognized and celebrated its 100,000th Volunteer Hour at the park since its opening. An individual, Mary Roy was selected from among the volunteers present at the Heritage Park at that date and time. Mayor Lonsdale of Squamish participated in the celebration, along with other dignitaries. The volunteer chosen received a year's free membership in the Association. Cake and coffee was supplied for all attending. Seen on the right, Mayor Corrine Lonsdale and WCRA President Don Evans Congratulate Mary Roy, who was selected as the lucky volunteer.

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The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is located 2 km north of downtown Squamish. Follow Highway 99 towards Whistler and turn left at Industrial Way (Tim Horton's on corner), then follow the signs to the Heritage Park at 39645 Government Road.