Stanley Park Miniature Train Station Fire
byLast night a fire was deliberately set at the Stanley Park miniature railway’s station. Despite the best efforts of fire crews, the structure was completely destroyed.
Crews doused nearby trees to prevent the flames from spreading, but could not save the replica train station — that also doubles as Santa’s workshop during the popular Bright Nights in Stanley Park celebration each Christmas. [CTV News]
“The building is a writeoff and the damage extensive,” he said. [Vancouver fire Capt. Gabe Roder] said the cooler weather helped to prevent what could have been a major catastrophe in the park. “Had it been in the middle of summer in a dry spell the outcome could have been much different,” he said. [Vancouver Sun]
The Stanley Park miniature railway opened in 1964, with Mayor Bill Rathie and Park Board Chairman George Wainborn driving in the last spike.
1966 – Stanley Park Miniature Railway. VPL Accession Number: 42876 & VPL Accession Number: 42872
Since that time it has become a fixture of the park, providing themed train rides with haunting tales at Halloween, stories and legends in Klahowya Village, and holiday carols during Bright Nights.
There is no word yet on how this will affect the train and upcoming seasonal programming.
Update The Park Board has passed on the message that the Spirit Catcher chain will be in operation on Saturday, June 23.
4 Comments — Comments Are Closed
I hope the rebuild it. Not that I use it, but I have the childhood memories and it’s a part of Vancouver.
It’s a reminder of just how vulnerable our gorgeous park, in the middle of the city, is to vandals and/or accidents, especially in the dry spells of summer. I hope the catch the persons responsible and they get some serious time, to show them that the people of Vancouver value their parks and it’s time they did too, as well, it gives out a serious message to anyone else who doesn’t value out city parks. They should be treated no differently than the dregs of the city who participated in the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot.
What a lousy thing to do! I also have happy memories of riding the train when it was new in the’60’s. I hope they can rebuild it, and I hope the arsonist is caught and punished.
This is so disappointing. My kids and I love the train – as do so many Vancouver families and visitors alike. I really hope it’s re-built, and soon!