They think they can, they think they can, they think they can - the Fort George Railway Society, city and The Exploration Place are planning to get the Fort George Park train back on the tracks this summer.
The miniature steam train has been out of service since 2007 when it was sidelined by boiler problems. The Davenport engine was built in 1912 was used in the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which arrived in Prince George in 1914.
"I get asked at least once a week when the train is going to be running again," The Exploration Place CEO Tracy Calogheros said. "The engine itself is an artifact. It's the smallest [steam] engine still operating in North America, I think, and certainly in Canada."
Calogheros said the partners would like to have the train in operation by the Father's Day Show 'n Shine. However, the little engine still has two hills to climb before that can happen.
On Monday afternoon boiler and safety inspectors will determine if the 99-year-old engine is fit for duty. On Monday night, city council will be asked to approve a five-year operating agreement with The Exploration Place and a start-up grant of $12,261.
"[And] there is a safety plan that has to be prepared for the [B.C.] Safety Authority," Calogheros said. "The Safety Authority wants to deal with a known agency. We can take care of the paperwork, and let the Fort George Railway Society do what they do best, run the train."
The Fort George Railway Society have operated the train since the city built the half-mile track in Fort George Park in 1975. Since 1992 the train has been operated and maintained by volunteers, with the help of a $5,000 grant from the city to cover insurance and operating costs.
Under The Exploration Place, the train would be operated by paid staff. The total budget for 25 days of operations - on weekends and statutory holidays - is $37,081.
"My board has made it clear to me that this can't be a drain on our limited resources. We hope to reach a break-even point or even come out a little ahead," Calogheros said.
In past years up to 15,000 people per year have ridden the train.
Fort George Railway Society chief engineer Ron Walker said the train is ready to roll.
"It's all ready to go. It's only the paperwork now."
