1 February 2008
CP BC Spirit of 150 Train Connects Past and Future
A year-long celebration of British Columbia's 150th
anniversary was launched today as Premier Gordon Campbell and Canadian Pacific president and CEO Fred Green unveiled plans for a
historic steam train tour that will take communities on a journey through B.C.'s rich and diverse history.
"Rail travel has always played an important role in B.C.'s heritage, and the CP BC Spirit of 150 Rail Tour is just one of the many
flagship events planned to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Crown Colony of British Columbia," said Campbell.
"During 2008, communities in every region of the province will share their stories with the world, celebrating British Columbia's
First Nations legacy, cultural diversity, community strength, innovation, and countless achievements."
Between 1 Jun 2008 and 30 Jun 2008 (Note: This was changed to 6 Jul 2008), the CP BC
Spirit of 150 Rail Tour will visit British Columbia communities along the Canadian Pacific route. Information about the route is being
finalized and will be provided before the tour begins. The tour is co-sponsored by Canadian Pacific, which will operate,
staff, and maintain the train.
The CP BC Spirit of 150 Train includes the vintage Empress 2816 steam locomotive and support cars, two vintage passenger coaches, a
vintage business car, a heritage baggage car converted into a travelling museum, and a vintage stage car. Visitors can view historic
displays, watch a stage show, and interact with costumed performers depicting some of B.C.'s most entertaining and notorious historical
figures.
"Canadian Pacific's 2,400 British Columbia-based employees are proud to partner with the Province and celebrate 150
years of opportunity in Canada's Pacific Gateway," said Green. "For more than 125 years, we've been building Canada, and
we're always extending our reach."
As part of the project, the Royal BC Museum (RBCM) will create an exhibition in the heritage baggage car - a travelling version of
"Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me, and B.C.," a major exhibition about British Columbia opening in Victoria on
13 Mar 2008.
"The rail tour will give people a chance to experience one of BC150's flagship events - the RBCM's Free Spirit project - even if
they can't make it to Victoria to see the main exhibition," said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. "Like many
of the other innovative BC150 initiatives being planned this year, Free Spirit will explore our rich history through the unique stories
of the people that have made B.C. the spirited province it is today."
BC150 is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community is
invited to participate in this year-long celebration of B.C.'s cultural diversity, community strength, and achievement.
For more information on BC150 events and programs, please visit www.bc150.ca.
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