The 2141 steam locomotive emerging from storage on June 2, 2025. (Image Credit: Kamloops Heritage Railway)

By Elora McCormack

Railway Society Funding

Kamloops council to mull over amending Railway Society funding agreement

Oct 25, 2026 | 2:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops will discuss easing the conditions of its funding agreement with the Heritage Railway Society to help get the iconic 114-year-old 2141 steam locomotive back on tracks.

Under the current agreement, the city said it is providing $180,000 in operating funding in 2026, with 25 per cent on January 1, 50 per cent once the 2141 steam locomotive is operational, and the remaining 25 per cent once the society’s annual report is submitted.

However, the 2027 funding schedule is based on specific dates and the annual report submission.

Since the agreement was signed, the Railway Society encountered some delays to the locomotive’s return from additional technical and operational requirements.

“On July 15, 2026, Technical Safety BC inspected the locomotive’s boiler and confirmed it was fit for service. The society subsequently reinstalled the refractory and, on September 30, lit the firebox for the first time in almost seven years,” said a report from the city.

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“Testing identified a possible stay bolt leak, and the locomotive was shut down as a precaution for further analysis and testing. The society is awaiting the return of its certified steam locomotive engineer before conducting the next firing.”

City staff said the Railway Society has not requested any additional funding, but staff are recommending that council approve the release of $90,000 before the locomotive is complete rather than after.

This, according to the staff report, will help the Railway Society meet the terms of its agreement with the city.

“The proposed amendment does not remove the society’s obligation or the City’s expectation that the 2141 steam locomotive be returned to operational status. Rather, staff recognize that releasing the approved funding at this stage will assist the society in completing the work necessary to achieve that outcome,” said the report to council.

Kamloops city council is set to make the decision during Tuesday’s (Oct. 27) meeting.

by Elora McCormack

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Kamloops council to mull over amending Railway Society funding agreement

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