June 2004

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

WELCOME MESSAGE

Welcome to the ten-year celebration of the opening of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This is a very significant and exciting event for us and for all of Southwestern British Columbia, but especially for everyone in Squamish.

It was July 10, 1994 when the West Coast Railway Heritage Park first opened its doors to the public. For the members of the non-profit West Coast Railway Association, it was a significant accomplishment of major proportions - finally we had a permanent home for Western Canada's largest collection of heritage railway rolling stock.

For Southwestern British Columbia, and the community of Squamish, a new tourist attraction was born - but how would it do, what would it bring, would it, in fact, even succeed? Ten years later that question is clearly answered, as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park has hosted over 250,000 guests, grown steadily in size and scope, become the home of the world famous Royal Hudson, and contributed over $8 million to the local economy. Yet, ten years later, we've still only just begun.

All of us at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park invite you to our grand celebration on Saturday, July 10, 2004. But, whether its that day, as a guest at Day Out With Thomas or any other visit, we bid you a warm welcome to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in this, our tenth anniversary year.

Don Evans
Executive Director
West Coast Railway Association

WEST COAST RAILWAY ASSOCIATION - BACK TO 1961

The story of the Heritage Park really goes back to 1961, and the founding of the West Coast Railway Association. Having watched the railways go through the major transition from steam power to diesel power, a small group of young railfans decided to form a society. The West Coast Railway Association was incorporated in May 1961 as a charitable non-profit society, with the lofty goal of "Preservation of British Columbia's Railway Heritage". Little did the young group know what lay ahead.

The group became active right away, running their first tour - a charter trip on the PGE from North Vancouver to Squamish - on August 17, 1961. Tours remain a vital part of the organization today, now used as a means of major fundraising as well as support to the railway industry.

The association purchased its first piece of railway equipment in 1963 when business car #16 was acquired from the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, the business car British Columbia is a centrepiece of the collection at the Heritage Park and has been visited by over 250,000 people since its completion in 1990. That car was soon joined by steam engine #16, currently under restoration in the shop of the Kamloops Heritage Railway.

Over the years the collection grew progressively to become the nucleus of plans the group had to create a railway museum. By the 1980's, the collection was substantial, but was hidden away from view on industrial spurs and in warehouses all over the Vancouver area, hardly accomplishing what the Association's goal was.

Something had to be done. Work got underway in the mid 1980's to seek out a site for such a facility. A number of possible locations were reviewed - they had to be connected to an operating rail line, be flat, have sufficient space for the collection (deemed to be at least 10 acres) and - preferably - allow the presentation of the collection in a typical British Columbia setting with trees and mountains.

After a thorough look, the present site of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park was selected in Squamish, B.C. Western Canada's largest rail heritage collection finally had a home. Now, the real work was now about to begin.

HERITAGE PARK HAS A SOLID HISTORY

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park may still be relatively young as an attraction, but ten years later it has already developed a strong and consistent history as it continues to grow. After site selection a number of important steps were undertaken, including a complete Development Plan for the project and then a Business Plan. It was important before starting construction to have the project reviewed for viability and also that the design be well thought out.

It was at this stage that a critical decision was made. The business plan suggested that a museum alone might not be self-supporting in operations, one of the fundamental goals of the group. The work suggested that a broader approach be taken, allowing more use of the site for things such as entertainment, filming, and special event use, for example. The final decision was to create a destination theme park built that would present the heritage of the railways of British Columbia in both an entertaining and educational way. The name was changed to reflect this and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park was born.

A major day occurred on May 25, 1990, as the West Coast Railway Association and the District of Squamish signed a sublease on the 5 hectare (12 acre) site on Government Road in Squamish. Work could now get underway and the WCRA started planning its first steps. In 1990, some brush clearing occurred, but most work was in design and plans.

The first major step occurred in 1991, after the WCRA approached BC Rail re the future status of the PGE Carshop building at their Squamish North Yard. After some initial amusement that the fledgling group thought they would be able to move the structure, BC Rail advised the association that the building was about to be torn down. If the WCRA really wanted it, it was available - as long as it could be moved from BCR property during the two-week summer shutdown of the Squamish shops. The rest is history, as Supreme House Movers moved the largest building ever moved in one piece in Western Canada to the Heritage Park in nine days in August 1991.

Through 1992 and 1993 work progressed with construction of roadbeds for track, other small structures, a bridge across the waterway etc. In 1994 the tracklaying for Phase One was completed and the first pieces of the WCRA's collection moved onto the site on May 1. Final finishing touches were then completed in a rush and the Heritage Park first opened its gate on July 10, 1994. Fairly rustic in facilities, the new attraction hosted 4,300 guests in its first year, before closing October 31.

Over the ensuing years, the Phase One area was enhanced and changed each year, and grew as the work continued. 1995 opened the new washroom building and in 1996, the popular West Coast Mini Rail was added. New exhibits were added every year and the base of guest visits continued to grow. Guests came back every year as there was always something new, and the popular family seasons passes were appreciated by local residents - some of whom now come almost every week to the Park.

Since opening, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park has seen steady growth every year in guest visits. Statistics show 1995 with 10,000 guests, 1996 with 15,500, 1997 with 20,000, 1998 with 21,500 and 1999 with 27,500. 1999's performance led to the next major step in accordance with the business plan. The Heritage Park opened for the first time on a year-round basis, and now is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

In April 2000 the Heritage Park welcomed its 100,000th guest. Just two years later, on May 25, 2003 the 200,000th guest was welcomed, and by the time July 10, 2004 comes around over 250,000 guests will have visited! The Heritage Park is expected to be Canada's most visited heritage railway attraction this year, with around 50,000 guest visits projected.

VOLUNTEERS - THE BACKBONE OF THE HERITAGE PARK

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park could not be what it is today without the strong support of its volunteers. As a non-profit society with a member reach of over 1,500 today, the WCRA offers many volunteer opportunities in tasks of all kinds, from operating the mini rail to gardening, from tour guiding to restoration. Volunteers can be seen every day at the Heritage Park in a variety of these roles.

In 1994, the Heritage Park was awarded the Heritage Society of British Columbia's "Volunteer Award", recognizing the 10,000 volunteer hours put in for the opening of the Heritage Park. Little did they know what was ahead. Volunteer hours grew every year and earlier this year, the 200,000th volunteer hour since the opening of the Heritage Park was recorded. In 1999, 28,081 hours were logged by the hard working group - the one-year record so far, but one which might well be exceeded in 2004 with the Thomas event and other major activities!

Next time that you visit the Heritage Park, take some time and appreciate the work of our volunteers. Without them, the Heritage Park would not exist.

HERITAGE PARK CONTRIBUTES TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is a significant contributor to the local Squamish area economy. The Park's policy is to employ local people and utilize and source materials locally wherever possible for construction and continued development.

The creation of what has become Squamish's largest tourist attraction is a component of the diversification of the economy of Squamish, adding something new to its traditional forest and industrial based economy. Starting small in 1991, the work has increased each year and the contribution has as well. As guest visits grow so does employment, and in 2004 the Heritage Park now employs six full time plus several seasonal employees. The West Coast Railway Association also employs three full time in Burnaby, where fund raising is headquartered and the tours office operates. Both of these core operations generate the funding that is then spent locally to develop and expand the Heritage Park.

Total economic contribution for the period 1991 - 2003 stood at $7.4 million, a significant amount for a new and developing attraction, and the Park has created over 115 person years of direct employment. As the Heritage Park continues to grow, economic impact will also grow, and is expected to top $1.5 million for 2004. The Heritage Park brings new visitors to the Squamish area, visitors that also stay at area motels, eat at area restaurants and shop in area shops.

PHASE TWO - WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK'S COMMUNITY

The year 2000 was a major milestone for the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, as a new theme area, the second in the development plan, was opened in August. The Town Centre at the Heritage Park became the new entry point, and has been the major development area over the ensuing years. Funded by the Association's first capital campaign, many major donors came on board and have generated over $1.8 million in capital funding over the period 1998 to present. This funding has allowed the opening of several new buildings and areas, and is ongoing as we progress through 2004.

THE MAC NORRIS STATION

In 1915, the Pacific Great Eastern Railway had grand plans for Squamish. This was to become the railway's home base, and a large railway station was designed for the town. After all, the railway started at Squamish in those days, and was progressively being pushed north towards Quesnel. Freight and passenger traffic arrived at Squamish by water, and was loaded aboard the trains at the wharf in town. Unfortunately, all of the grand plans would not make it to fruition, as construction costs far outstripped the resources available. Many of the planned projects for the railway were not to be. The railway ultimately was rescued by the Province of British Columbia and was completed to Quesnel. But the planned major station for Squamish was among the projects never completed. Until year 2000, that is.

In 1999 construction started on the station building 85 years after it was designed, and on August 19, 2000, the station opened as the centrepiece of the Town Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park! The drawings were discovered as the Heritage Park worked with BC Rail, today's major railway through the centre of the province that grew from the Pacific Great Eastern. The station design was perfect for the Heritage Park in both size and room space. Building a 1915-designed station in 2000 was an exciting project for everyone involved. It was dedicated the Mac Norris Station in 2003 by Great Canadian Railtour Co., after the former BC Rail President and founding member of the board of GCRC. Mac was present at the ceremony and continues with the company today, and is also an active member and supporter of the Heritage Park.

The station became the new main entrance to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, and the core the second phase of development. As you enter the building through the columned port cochere, a special painting by artist Max Jacquiard depicts the Heritage Park's classic 1952 Canadian Pacific locomotives, pulling "The Canadian" transcontinental train through the Rockies. To the right, our new entry and gift shop facility greets you, three times the size of our original Wilkie Station facility; from there you proceed onto the platform to access the trains and exhibits.

The Mac Norris Station also houses the Rotary Club of Vancouver / Royal Bank education room, where guests enjoy video presentations and the Royal Hudson exhibit. This room is also the base for the Heritage Park's education programs (capacity 70 seats) and is marketed for meetings and special events. Upstairs is the new library and archives centre, (by appointment only at this time) establishing a new and accessible home for our extensive collection or railway history, photographs and archival records. The extensive collection of magazines and books will also be available. This new facility now gives a high quality home for the special collections that we maintain, including the BC Rail Collection, the Rocky Mountaineer Collection and the Robert E. Swanson Collection.

BRIGHTBILL HERITAGE HOUSE A DELIGHT

Most Squamish residents will remember the house that was in the park in downtown Squamish for years, and previously was a residence on Second Avenue. The Brightbill Heritage House (as it has been named) was relocated to the Heritage Park in November 1999, and was then placed on a new foundation. Repairs were made to the exterior. Siding and painting were completed and the house is surrounded by gardens enclosed with a white picket fence. An extensive interior restoration was started, involving the complete redoing of the walls and ceilings in the rooms, with new wallpaper and paint applied in the heritage style. The Rotary Club of Squamish pitched in, funding and installing a new roof. But the driving force behind the hard work to restore and furnish the heritage house has been one of our volunteers, Donna Fourchalk.

Located on Railway Avenue in the Heritage Park's Town Centre, the Brightbill Heritage House takes you back to another era. As you look into the living room and listen to news stories and music from the 30's and 40's, you will enter the era of Harry Brightbill, a PGE conductor who owned the house in those days. The kitchen and pantry are stocked with a great collection, from the icebox and stove to the appliances and trimmings. The bedroom and den feature wonderful antiques. Upstairs the child's room and attic bring memories and delights of years past.

The house adds a new dimension to the Heritage Park, as the first residential exhibit of the Town Centre. It is open during Park hours, and is also a special event location. The house plays a feature role in our "Christmas Lights at the Park' event each December, and is used for Heritage Teas in February and on Mother's Day each year. Tours of the main floor of the house were started on a limited basis in June 2000, the house became a major exhibit in 2001, and the second floor was competed and opened in February 2004.

SILVER FOX STATION, HOWARD LYTTLE PARK AND MORE

The popular West Coast Mini Rail trains received a new home base starting in 2000, as the new main boarding point became Silver Fox Station. This heritage designed railway shelter sits at the west end of Main Street, and becomes the main boarding point for the 3 km mini rail ride around the Heritage Park. Funded by the Roy family, the new station also provides a sheltered waiting area and a recognition wall for all those who have helped with the creation and operation of the West Coast Mini Rail since its initial opening back in 1996. It is linked by telegraph to the Mac Norris station operator.

Over the years, the mini rail has become one of the Heritage Park's great attractions. The mini rail trains also take the Heritage Park to other locations, such as Christmas at Canada Place, where thousands ride the trains and learn about the Heritage Park and Squamish.

After the first train was dispatched from Silver Fox Station in 2000, the West Coast Mini Rail began operating with stops along the route at Wilkie and Sweet Apple. The new Mason Station was built in 2003, and will become a station stop for the new Eagle View area starting in fall 2004.

In 2003, a major new attraction was added in the form of the restored Mail Car #3704, outfitted and interpreting the era of the mail on the railways of Canada with the help of Canada Post and the Canada Post Heritage Club. The mail car became an instant major attraction in the Heritage Park's exhibit train.

The Howard Lyttle Park was dedicated in 2003, funded by Great Canadian Railtour Co. (operators of the Rocky Mountaineer) and named after the late Howard Lyttle, a career railroader and GCRC past board member. The Squamish Lions Club constructed the children's play train that sits in the centre of the Park, an instant draw for the many children who visit the Heritage Park. Adjacent is the Kids Kaboose, available for parties and other children's events.

Other major additions came in 2003, as the Garden Tracks were added to the heritage park's trackplan, creating badly needed additional track space for exhibits and for future operations. The tracks abut up to the north end of the station, and can accommodate 17 passenger cars. They are designed to heritage plans from the early 1900's, when railways brought excursion trains to popular tourist destinations, and needed to park them off the mainline. The new tracks will become the home of the exhibit train passenger cars by summer 2004, and an attractive station garden will be designed and built in future years.

HOME OF THE ROYAL HUDSON

For many years, going back to 1974, the world famous Royal Hudson steam train operated between North Vancouver and Squamish on the BC Rail line. Contributing every year to the tourism economy of the area, the classic steam train ride became known the world over. Since opening in 1994, the steam train had been a major source of guest visits to the town of Squamish, and to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.

Sadly, the classic locomotive made its last run in 1999, but the steam train excursion carried on through 2000 and 2001, thanks to the help of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, which provided its vintage diesel locomotive and open observation car to help keep the train excursion going. In 2001, BC Rail and the Province of British Columbia announced that they would not fund the rebuilding of the locomotive, and that the excursion would cease at the end of the 2001 season. Something had to be done.

A task team was established, led by the District of Squamish. A proposal was made to bring the Royal Hudson to Squamish and have it's new home become the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. That proposal was accepted, and in May 2002, the Heritage Park's vintage diesel locomotive #4069 pulled the steam engine from North Vancouver to Squamish, and moved it into the Heritage Park.

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park become the Home of the Royal Hudson, adopting the classic locomotive in its branding and its new logo. The new display helped in many ways, and in 2002 the Heritage Park managed to grow its guest visits slightly over 2001 - even with no summer excursion train operating. The new star attraction at the Heritage Park has been displayed since arrival, and is being carefully maintained while repair plans and funding are put in place.

A series of assessments of the locomotive were made through 2003, and a feasible repair plan has been established. The work is estimated to need about 18 months and cost around $500,000. The Royal Hudson Preservation Fund was established to raise funds for the repairs to the locomotive, and as we get to summer 2004 has assembled over $150,000 of the $500,000 needed to return the locomotive to steam. In fall 2003, the Royal Hudson was moved from its display location to the restoration shop, and some work got underway. By early 2004 parts manufacture was started and is underway now. Actual repair work is planned to start in the fall of this year, with the target being to steam the locomotive by the end of 2005.

The West Coast Railway Association would plan for the Royal Hudson to become a visible steam ambassador for the British Columbia, for Squamish and for the Heritage Park. Future plans would be for the engine to headline major special events, including a role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and to operate occasional special public excursion trips. The Royal Hudson is North America's best-known steam train!

OPERATING TRAIN BECOMES A REALITY

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park took some steps that were not in its immediate plans, but which were occasioned by events that altered the local host railway, BC Rail, through the 2002 - 2004 period. After the demise of the Royal Hudson steam train, BC Rail made decisions to exit the entire passenger rail business. Passenger rail assets were quickly put up for sale on the open market.

For the West Coast Railway Association, this meant it was time to act immediately or risk major losses. The WCRA had an operating set of vintage diesel locomotives, and now had the Royal Hudson steam locomotive, but had no passenger cars to go with them. In addition, West Coast Rail Tours, which was a major source of fundraising within the society, would no longer be able to operate trips by chartering equipment on BC Rail - something we had done for 40 years.

In a major deviation from its strategic plan for the ongoing development of the Heritage Park, a new strategy had to be quickly put in place. The plan to create a complete operating train set, for use in both charter and West Coast Rail tours, was born. A pilot tour using WCRA's vintage diesel and open observation car was made in October 2002, with great success. The plan was launched.

2003 became the year of acquisition, as WCRA purchased three of the former Royal Hudson coaches from BC Rail. Added to the fleet the same year was the 1929 former CPR business car Alberta, which was moved from Gastown where it had been a restaurant, to become the first-class car for the train. The train was taking shape. 2004 saw the work continue, with the purchase of a former CN baggage car, which would be constructed to become the train's generator car. Then, in April, the WCRA was able to purchase BC Rail's last two remaining Budd RDC cars, preserving this era of Sea to Sky passenger rail, and adding two more pieces to the potential operating fleet.

A major step forward occurred earlier this year, as a deal was struck with the Great Canadian Railtour Co. to lease the pair of vintage diesels, the generator car, and the open observation car to equip their new Prince Rupert service, called the North Coast Explorer. This lease agreement made the transformation of the operating train set a reality, and the upgrade of the equipment to full 2004 main line standards got underway, funded by sponsorships for each of the cars and the lease agreement.

Summer 2004 sees the WCRA with an excursion trainset of two classic diesel locomotives, five cars seating 240 people, and two Budd RDC's. The locomotives, generator car and open observation car are completed and in mainline daily service for the summer, and will run a West Coast Rail Tour from Prince Rupert back to the Heritage Park in September. The three coaches were used in the Thomas trains at the Heritage Park, and are nearing full upgrade standards. The Business car Alberta is starting its restoration for completion by end 2005, and the newly acquired Budd cars are being assessed for needed repairs.

2004 - THE HERITAGE PARK'S MOST EXCITING YEAR EVER

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS - JUNE 2004

2004 took on a whole new dimension for the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, as the syndicated Day out With Thomas event makes its first Canadian appearance. The progress of the past years was key here, as the Heritage Park suddenly had a number of things in place that would be needed - sufficient trackage on which to operate a Thomas event train, coaches for passengers to ride in for the trains, and operating locomotives to power the trains. All that had to be done was to secure the event, certify the operating trackage for passenger operations, and put on an event to host up to 18,000 people!

The event was secured in January, Thomas would make his Canadian debut right here at the Heritage Park. The Ministry certified the tracks for operation in April, insurance to operate was obtained, and work to prepare the Heritage Park site and the coaches for operation was underway. Thomas would perform for the crowds June 11, 12, 13 and June 18,19, 20, 2004 with a train capacity of 3,000 guests each day. Trains would depart every 45 minutes from 9:00AM to 5:15PM each day, and the Heritage Park would transform itself into a Thomas the Tank Engine theme park for the six days.

The event would take a huge volunteer commitment, but that commitment was achieved, with the leadership of event manager Bill Watson and Heritage Park General Manager Sherry Elchuk. The Day Out With Thomas event is a sell out, and the activities and fun of the event incredible. The event brings more than 15,000 new visitors to the Heritage Park and to Squamish, helping greatly increase our awareness factor in the Vancouver market area. We hope to be able to repeat the event again in 2005.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS - JULY 10, 2004

July 10, 2004 will be another day to remember, as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park officially celebrates its tenth anniversary. Once again, new ground will be broken, this time as the Heritage Park hosts its first two major music concert events.

The Heritage Park will be open with admission by donation for the entire day, and with a series of special events and activities for the whole family. The day will start with the official celebration ceremonies at 10:30AM - there will be presentations and the speeches etc. held in the Town Centre area with the stage the Mac Norris station porch. Throughout the day, the exhibits and popular mini rail will be available, regular fares of $2 for a mini rail ride will be in effect. There will be a host of special activities as well.

Concerts under the "big top" will break new ground, as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park presents Abba-Cadabra at 2:00PM and The Shania Experience at 7:00PM. Tickets for the shows are just $25 for one or $40 for both, and are available at the Heritage Park (604-898-9336) or through the WCRA's tours office (604-524-1011 or 1-800-722-1233). These shows are both spectacular professional shows, which play throughout Western Canada to sold-out houses. The great thing for us - on this, the occasion of our tenth anniversary - all proceeds from the shows will go to the charitable work of the WCRA, helping us with our projects such as the Royal Hudson.

So join us on July 10, enjoy the Heritage Park and all its exhibits by donation on this special day, and see our new additions. Ride the mini rail, enjoy the cake, and take in the spectacular music shows. July 10, 2004 will be a day to be long remembered.

EAGLE VIEW NATURAL AREA OPENS FALL 2004

The Eagle View Natural Area is getting set to open. The Heritage Park has long had a strategy of having something significant new each year, and this year it's the Eagle View area (and, of course, the Day Out With Thomas).

The Eagle View Natural Area construction started in 2003, with the building of the new Mason Station on the West Coast Mini Rail line. In Spring 2004, the next piece was constructed, a new viewing tower that takes guests 22 feet above the Heritage Park, affording wonderful views over the Squamish River Valley, the area mountains, and across the Heritage Park itself. This was funded by a grant from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Landscaping work is now underway, with the creation of a pond and a short trail from Mason Station to the new tower.

When completed, this area will be the natural area of the Heritage Park, emphasizing the large cedar trees and the valley setting of the facility, and providing a unique viewing location for the eagles in the winter as well. Signage will interpret the various land uses of the property over the years, and will point to the various geographic and natural features of the Squamish River Valley.

INTO THE FUTURE - SOMETHING NEW EVERY YEAR

Even with the celebration of the tenth anniversary, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park still has years of development ahead. Designed as a twenty year, $20 million project, the Park is about halfway along its development continuum.

Phase Two construction will go on for at least two more years. Major work will include the CN Turntable Plaza area, and the construction of the Beanery corner store and in the Town Centre. Other buildings will continue to be added as Railway Ave. grows. The goal is to complete this by 2005, subject to funding capability, and increase guest visits to around 60,000 annually. Also in the provisional plans for this time period is the introduction of our first excursion train from the Heritage Park, perhaps to downtown Squamish using our newly acquired Budd cars.

Phase Three then constructs a major structure, the Roundhouse, on the southeast corner of the property. This multi-million-dollar theme building will provide a glass walled exhibit and maintenance facility, and will become the feature structure on the site. It will be the new permanent home for the Royal Hudson, and will have seven tracks accessed via the turntable.

But it doesn't stop there. In concert with the Heritage Park's strategy for self-sustainability, major structures are designed to be dual purpose. In the case of the Roundhouse, this will be through secondary use as the Roundhouse Conference Centre. Imagine this new facility - roll out the locomotives and cars, overlay the floor, and suddenly it is transformed into a unique meeting space of up to 20,000 square feet! Goal for this is 2008 to have it ready for use with the 2010 Winter Olympics. The business plan projects 70,000 guest visits annually at this point and full time employment of 16.

Phase Four will then start, creating the new entry facility and parking area on the south side of the waterway. This will be a significant step as it moves all of today's technology from the core site, allowing the Heritage Park's 12 acres to truly interpret the early part of the 20th century without the incursion of modern cars and buses. You will park off Government Road, and enter through a new entry building and theatre with a short orientation presentation on the history of the railway and how it was significant in the creation of Western Canadian communities. On conclusion, you walk across a bridge into a complete working and interpreted heritage community and experience this story!

One thing for sure, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park will continue to grow and change every year. Along with the changes and development will come continued growth in both guest visits and economic impact to Squamish. By 2010, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park will host 80,000 to 100,000 annual guest visits, will be one of the top ten tourist attractions in Southwestern British Columbia. It will be Canada's largest heritage railway attraction, and one of the top ten railway heritage attractions in North America.

It's 2004 and we're half way there. Come and join with us in celebration of our first ten years!