As we head into another year, a year that will see the West Coast Railway Heritage Park embark on its next major expansion, we focus this month on the contribution made to the community of Squamish through both continued development and through operations.
Often, we make our focus on the financial contribution of the Park, as we raise our funds and bring them to Squamish where we spend them as construction continues and the Park grows. And that will be the case, in record numbers this year and next. Building on a base economic impact of almost $10 million and 140 person years of employment in our first ten years, things are only going to grow further.
2006 will see the construction of CN Turntable Plaza as well as the start of construction on the new Roundhouse & Conference Centre at the Heritage Park. The contract for the installation of the vintage turntable has now been awarded to a local Squamish contractor, and work should get underway just as soon as the District of Squamish issues the Development Permit. Then, when the roundhouse construction gets underway, the work will expand greatly and continue right through to the fall of 2007. We estimate an economic impact of well around $3 million for each of 2006 and 2007, providing needed local employment, contracts, materials and supplies purchases and more.
But, our contribution to the local community goes well beyond our continued building and tourist operations. The Heritage Park has become a major site for community events and functions, and the extent of the venues provided at the site continues to expand. Coming soon will be a great new children's event place that is unique and fun, and later this year, watch for the grand opening of CN Turntable Plaza with a community concert event.
We also provide a number of community event days each year, days where unique events make a visit very special, and days where our normal admission charges are waived and local families are invited to come out and experience the Park as a community resource. The next of these days is coming up on Sunday, April 16 - when the West Coast Railway Heritage Park offers our 6th annual Easter Scavenger Hunt. This is a time for all to explore the Heritage Park, and everyone goes home with a treat. All regular exhibits are open and the mini rail will be operating (regular train fare applies). Event time is noon to 3:00 p.m.
So, come out and visit the West Coast Railway Heritage Park - it's your kind of place.
