February is setting out to be a month of visible changes, as work gets underway at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park to prepare for what will be a year and a half of major construction.
But we want all our regular visitors to know that the Heritage Park will remain open every day, and will introduce several new activities and attractions while all the work goes on. In fact, watching the progress as we install our vintage turntable and build our new Roundhouse and Conference Centre will be an attraction in itself.
When you come to the Heritage Park this month, what you will notice first is that some of our regular exhibits are being relocated. Already, some of the trains you are used to seeing as you enter the Park have moved, and work is also underway to relocate some of the small buildings near the entry. These moves are necessary to clear the space needed for the construction work. Actual construction work will start with the turntable pit, but we must wait for the water table to lower after all the January rains.
February will feature Heritage Week, and the Park will celebrate with a Heritage Tea in the Brightbill Heritage House on Saturday, Feb. 25. This is a special opportunity to be served a wonderful tea (with food) in the unique setting of a heritage home from Squamish, built back in 1937 and furnished to that period. Reservations are requested to ensure your seating (without a wait) and we would welcome everyone to come out and enjoy Heritage Week in this unique way - call 604-898-9336.
Mark your calendars now for Spring Break week - March 11 to 19, 2006. The Heritage Park will be introducing several new activities including the first ever Motorcar (Speeder) rides on our tracks, there will be model railway workshops in our new Model Railway car, and children will enjoy a colouring contest with great prizes. Of course, the West Coast Mini Rail will also be in operation and all the regular exhibits will be open as the Park gets off and running for a great 2006. Watch for more details next month in this column.
Let me close by thanking all involved who supported my nomination and award as Business Person of the Year in Squamish. This was a real surprise and is a great honour.
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park generated more than $1.5 million for the community in 2005, and this contribution will continue to grow as we grow, with increasing spending on both construction and employment. We are proud to be part of this community.
