Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Michael Reeve

KAMLOOPS HERITAGE RAILWAY

Zoning problem has Kamloops Heritage Railway Museum fighting to stay on track

Jun 13, 2023 | 4:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — After fighting through the pandemic and then losing access to the tracks, the Kamloops Heritage Railway Museum has taken yet another hit just ahead of the summer season. Due to safety problems relating to zoning identified by the city, the park will not be able to open to the public.

“It seems like everything is kind of collapsing on us at once,” General Manager Ken Milloy told CFJC Today. “We are a pretty positive group around here and that really helps. I try to keep everybody’s spirits up and moving along.”

Milloy stated issues surrounding safety and the need for additional bathrooms in the workshop will also need to be sorted out before the museum can reopen its doors to the general public.

“We’ve been working on transforming into a museum and this year, when we put everything on the table and sort of said this is where we are at, this is what we expect the year to look like. There were huge concerns about the number of people we might have down here, being on site in an area that isn’t zoned for the public to gather. As a result of that, we have had to suspend all of our services for the time being,” stated Milloy.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Can we stand four more years of The Donald? Lord, give me strength

Jan 12, 2025

Two and Out

PETERS: You know what? Maybe the U.S. annexing Canada isn't such a bad idea after all

Jan 10, 2025

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Premier Eby is still out of touch with the people

Jan 09, 2025

Without the front gate revenue of around $100,000, Milloy believes the park can only survive until the end of this year, or possibly early 2024. In an effort to stay alive, the society has been cutting back everywhere it can while working tirelessly to find a way to survive.

“That is what we are spending our time on right now — finding a way to get around it. If we cant have people come here, than I am going to bring the stuff to them,” said Milloy. “I’m looking at leasing spaces in the city, various locations. Or possibly purchasing or leasing a 53-foot trailer, turning that into an exhibit that we can then take to school grounds and so on and leave there for a few days. We are looking at all those options.”

Milloy mentioned he has a meeting planned with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson this Friday as the society works with the city to find a solution.