Construction of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park's CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre will resume immediately after a four-month layoff with the announcement of $2 million in federal funding.
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore and local MP John Weston announced the Canadian Cultural Spaces funding in front of about 40 people at the railway's platform on Wednesday (Sept. 2).
The funding for the 20,000 sq. ft. facility is meant to stimulate the local economy by helping to draw more people to Squamish, said Moore.
"At times like this, it's institutions such as these [] that started off as great ideas with people who invested a lot of sweat, and often tears, into building really important projects that respect the heritage of our country and where we've come from. These institutions are so important to our future, to respecting our past and making sure that everybody understands the shoulders on which we stand and how this country was built," he said.
Construction of the roundhouse started about three years ago and is expected to cost a total of $7.8 million when it is completed by the end of 2009 or early 2010. So far, the West Coast Railway Association has invested $4.8 million, according to president and CEO Don Evans.
"The roundhouse will become the heritage park's feature building providing new permanent protection for the heritage that we work so hard to preserve," said Evans, adding that about 125 volunteers contribute more than 25,000 hours to the project per year.
Mayor Greg Gardner pointed out that the roundhouse will become Squamish's largest conference centre and "will allow us to host events that we have never been able to host before."
Weston was praised by Gardner, Evans and Moore for his persistence in securing the funds. He last visited the park at the end of June to better acquaint himself with the project.
"I fell in love with the project the first time I stepped on this site and the reason is not only the beauty of the rail and the history that we see and in the heritage that is preserved here, but also because of the volunteers," he said. "For any child, old or young, who loves the toot of a train, this is a great day."
During his June visit, Weston also met with Squamish Harbour Authority manager Bill McEnery, Squamish Nation council member Dale Harry and district community development manager Mick Gottardi to discuss the need for dredging the Mamquam Blind Channel. Weston said there has yet to be federal funding committed to the project.
