The results are in and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park set new records in 2004 in every facet of its operations. The 10th anniversary year of the park was an exciting one, and as people came from all over to see events like the first ever Day Out With Thomas in Canada, it was evident that this would be a year like none other in the Park's history.
With the books now wrapped up, here are just some of the statistics for 2004: Guest visits were 45,503. The 250,000th guest was welcomed during the year, making visits since 1994's opening 268,500!
The 10th anniversary celebration in July saw the first two concerts in the Park.
The Heritage Park contributed a record $1.2 million to the Squamish economy . Nine person years of direct employment hours grew, with eight regular staff plus seasonal. The WCRA's vintage excursion train entered its first season of operation and made its first arrival in Squamish in September.
The year 2005 promises to be a growth year again, and some major projects are now under way as we enter the year. Most notable will be the work on the Royal Hudson, which will be led by our new Manager of Major Projects, Singh Biln, with a crew of steam specialists and a special advisor from Portland, Oregon. Also under way is the business car #8 project in the carshop, which will become an operating private first class car for the excursion train and other use, as well as the return of one of our newly acquired Budd cars to operating condition. These projects will be able to be seen as they progress, from a viewing point aboard a display car in the carshop building at the Park.
Heritage Week is Feb. 20-27, 2005, and we invite you to celebrate it with a visit to the Heritage Park. On Saturday, Feb. 26 we will offer a special opportunity - a Heritage Tea served up old-fashioned style in the Brightbill Heritage House. Experience what it would have been like in 1937 as our servers, dressed for the period, offer up sandwiches and goodies with fresh tea in this classic setting. You can reserve a time by calling 604-898-9336.
