Summer has arrived at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, and it's a great time to come out for a visit. In addition, all our attractions are operating along with some new things to see, as well.
The Heritage Park has returned to normal operations following a successful Day Out With Thomas event. More than 12,000 people came to Squamish during the six days of the event in June, and Thomas put on a grand show. Squamish businesses noted two very busy weekends and our guests went away happy with both their Thomas and Squamish experiences. Thanks to everyone who participated in making the event a success and a special thanks to our volunteers who put in long hours and made our guests feel welcome.
The Heritage Park is looking its best ever, with a monumental amount of work having been done prior to the Thomas event. All the major buildings were painted and new signage is now in place. Some other additions include a new unloading ramp for visiting mini rail locomotives, many of which made an appearance in June. Restoration of a newly restored locomotive, Canadian Pacific switch engine #6503, is almost complete, with painting just being finished. Work is also under way to return one of our former BC Rail Budd cars, the BC 33, to serviceable condition this summer. The shop has a newly paved floor and work facilities, making our restoration efforts more easily accomplished. There are lots of improvements to see and the successful Thomas event contributed to the ability to make these.
Now that Thomas has moved on, work on the Royal Hudson is getting under way inside the shop. A special viewing area has been set up so that visitors will be able to safely view the work in progress, as we tackle the job of now installing the new parts that have been fabricated. That work will continue through the summer, with the goal of completing the boiler repairs before the end of 2005. We hope you will come by and see the progress as we work to restore this classic locomotive to steam service.
All good reasons for a summer visit. Summer is a time to come and enjoy your Heritage Park, take in a ride on the mini rail, wander the site and enjoy the exhibits.
