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Track for historic railway tours likely to be done by late summer
reprinted from Red Deer
Advocate (Paul Cowley) June 17, 2011
The final spikes will be driven
late this summer on a 12-km stretch of new track for historic rail
tours between Stettler and Red Willow.
East Central Alberta Heritage Society is leading the $3.3 million
project to restore an abandoned rail line on the east side of Hwy 56
north of Stettler that was ripped out for scrap in 1997. When
complete, the society hopes to lay about 25 km of new rails all the
way to Donalda.
Society member Bruce Gartside said the laborious job of laying the
rails began last fall until weather stopped the work in early
December. Crews began laying rail again in early May.
"We're looking at completion of the whole thing (to Red Willow) in,
perhaps, late August," said Gartside.
At the same time as rail was being laid, work was underway creating
five natural linear parks to serve as rest areas as part of an
$800,000 project.
The parks at Edberg, Meeting Creek, Big Valley, Rumsey and Rowley
will include washrooms, picnic tables and signs providing
information on local flora and fauna. They are expected to be
completed later this month.
While the rail link to Red Willow is expected to be complete this
year, trains won't be running the route until next year at the
earliest.
Alberta Prairie Steam Tours Ltd. general manager Bob Willis said
this year's schedule is already set, but the company plans to add
Red Willow trips in the future.
Before the steam trains head to Red Willow, there must be something
in place in the community to provide an attraction for rail
passengers getting off at the stop to sight-see.
"You don't just throw these things into the marketplace and have
them happen," said Willis. "The rail infrastructure is part of the
equation, but not the entire one."
Willis said if there is something in place to serve rail passengers
by the fall, trips to Red Willow could be added to next season's
schedule.
"It's our intention to run to Red Willow, it's just the timing I
can't be specific on at this point."
Meanwhile, the society is working on finding the money to complete
its dream of connecting Donalda by rail.
About three km worth of rail will be left over after Red Willow is
connected.
Now, the society must find close to 10 km worth of track.
The supplier in Manitoba that provided the existing rail has more,
but the steel does not come cheap.
"Used rail has become a very hot commodity," said Gartside.
Unless a cheaper supply of rail can be found, it will likely cost
about $2.6 million to complete the Donalda link.
Gartside said an application has been submitted for $125,000 in
provincial funding. Federal help will also be sought and a
fundraising Father's Day Special Train Excursion through Alberta
Prairie Steam Tours is set for 11 a.m. Sunday. The annual event
raised $14,000 for the society last year.
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