|
About Us
The Esquimalt and Nanaimo Division of the Canadian Railroad
Historical Association was registered as a society on September 18, 1997.
The purpose of the society is to acquire and maintain a rail museum, to
reflect all aspects of railway transportation on Vancouver Island, to
acquire and maintain artifacts for the museum, to operate an excursion
train, record the history of the railways on Vancouver Island, publish &
disseminate information, and collaborate with other groups of similar
interest. The E&N Division CRHA has been instrumental in the organization of
E&N Celebration Days held, annually, in Victoria at the 'E&N Roundhouse' and
other townships along the E&N Railway, since 1997. The celebration is in
recognition of the Last Golden Spike being driven by Sir John A. MacDonald
with a silver hammer on August 13, 1886 at 'Cliffside' station at Mile 25 on
the E&N Railway near Shawnigan Lake. This was very significant for it
demonstrated the completion of the government's promise to British Columbia
in joining confederation for a Trans continental railway that also included
the Colony of Vancouver Island.
Society volunteers have helped restore rolling stock including our
own ex CN transfer caboose 76695 plus two ex CP Boxcars, and Maintenance of
Way equipment. The E&N Division has had a long time interest in the
preservation and restoration of the Victoria Roundhouse as national historic
site, and is actively involved with Roundhouse Properties Planning Team. Our
division is in the process of establishing partnerships with other
interested railway groups in running a heritage railway operation with steam
& diesel locomotives. We will seek approval by the Island Corridor
Foundation and Southern Railway of Vancouver Island in the near future. We
look foreward to working cooperatively with other societies, invite new
members, and welcome donations for our heritage train. We have a genuine
desire to develop a heritage railway that will attract those who want to
participate, as well as, those who just want to enjoy a ride on a train from
the past. Our team is a network of personal contacts and resources
cultivated from involvement as members of railway associations and as
employees active & retired from the industry. This resource base also
includes an extensive inventory of equipment & contractors. Participation in
a heritage excursion train enables us to be more active in a form of
transportation we already appreciate and embrace.
|
