16 February 2006
CPR Unveils New Royal Canadian Pacific Building
On the same day Canadian Pacific Railway celebrated its 125th Birthday, the company unveiled plans
for new offices for its world-renowned luxury rail service, the Royal Canadian Pacific.
Developed by Calgary's Centron Group of Companies, a new 9,000 square foot, two-storey building is planned in the heart of
downtown Calgary, at the corner of 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW, which will house the offices of all Royal Canadian Pacific operations.
It is adjacent to the Centron Group of Companies' redevelopment of the former post-office building.
"It was on 16 Feb 1881, CPR was incorporated. Since that time the company has played a key role in our nation's growth
and development, contributing to our local and national economies by moving goods and people important to Canada," said CPR
President, Fred Green. "The exciting move to new service offices with its unique design strengthens Royal Canadian Pacific's
presence in Calgary as it provides an exciting physical anchor to promote our luxury rail service through the magnificent Rocky
Mountains."
"Our company views the redevelopment of this location as an opportunity to enhance the urban landscape and to build on the history
of the city associated with Canadian Pacific Railway," said Cole Harris, President of the Centron Group of Companies,
co-developer of the site with the Homburg Group. "Our company recognized the importance of celebrating our heritage
and combining it with the modern needs of businesses in of one of Canada's great cities."
"CPR and the City of Calgary have grown up together with the rail company being an important part of our city's development,"
said Calgary-area Alderman Druh Farrell. "CPR's announcement that it is locating its office for Royal Canadian Pacific
in Calgary is extremely good news as it strengthens our city's reputation as a corporate centre and will dramatically add to Calgary's
downtown's landscape."
The location of Royal Canadian Pacific's new offices is across from the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel and is joined to the existing
Canadian Pacific Pavilion, home to Royal Canadian Pacific's fleet of luxury rail cars. Through the design work of Cohos Evamy - the
lead architect and design firm - the inspiration for the headquarters is derived from an historic steel trestle bridge. The trestle
sets up the primary public space - the Grand Foyer - which links directly to the existing CPR Pavilion. A highly transparent steel
frame and glass wall provides a view through the Grand Foyer to a rusticated stone wall reflecting the solid character of the west wall
of the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. Materials such as black plate steel, glass and stone are consistent with the existing train Pavilion,
historic hotel and Grain Exchange building.
At an urban scale, the Royal Canadian Pacific offices make a number of gestures to the city's architectural presence. The building is
set back from the street to the benefit of the pedestrian condition at the corner. A new large size, pedestal mounted public clock,
based on the design of a Canadian Pacific railway clock located in Montreal's Windsor Station, will mark the corner of 9th Avenue and
1st Street. In addition, stylized bronze railway artifacts will set into the adjacent sidewalk to be discovered as found objects.
Mr. Green noted that Royal Canadian Pacific is entering its sixth season of operation. Once again, the Royal Canadian Pacific will host
its classic, all-inclusive luxury tours. The 2006 theme tours include the signature "Royal Canadian Rockies
Experience", featuring a 650-mile train trip amid the majestic Rocky Mountains, including stops in Banff and Lake
Louise, and through the scenic Columbia River Valley. This year's schedule also includes a special excursion from Calgary to Vancouver,
from 26-29 Jun 2006 inclusive, celebrating the inauguration of Canadian Pacific Railway's first transcontinental train,
"The Pacific Express", on 28 Jun 1886.
Royal Canadian Pacific staff is expected to be located in the new facility by the end of summer, 2006.
Backgrounder: Royal Canadian Pacific "Did You Know..." and 2006 Schedule
The Royal Canadian Pacific travels more than 30,000 track miles per season.
- In its first five years, the Royal Canadian Pacific journeyed to a number of special events including the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics
and the 2003 Kentucky Derby;
- In 2004, an historic Trans-Canada journey from Vancouver to Montreal, powered by a Canadian Pacific Railway 1930's
steam locomotive, took 23 days to complete;
- In addition to luxury tour packages, everything from birthday parties to weddings has been celebrated on the Royal Canadian
Pacific;
- Some of the dignitaries who have ridden Royal Canadian Pacific's vintage passenger cars include Winston Churchill and Queen
Elizabeth ll;
- The Royal Canadian Pacific operates charters from Vancouver to Calgary with only a maximum of 32 people on board;
- In 2005, the Royal Canadian Pacific hosted the Canadian Provincial Premiers for the Council of the Federation meetings.
Royal Canadian Pacific Schedule
The 2006 scheduled season begins on 1 Jun 2006 and includes the following featured rail tours:
- Signature "Royal Canadian Rockies Experience", featuring a six-day, 650-mile train trip amid
the majestic Rocky Mountains, including stops in Banff and Lake Louise, and through the scenic Columbia River Valley;
- A special excursion from Calgary to Vancouver, from 26-29 Jun 2006 inclusive, celebrating the inauguration of
Canadian Pacific Railway's first transcontinental train, "The Pacific Express", on 28 Jun 1886;
- Royal Clubhouse Golf Excursion featuring stops at four world-class golf destinations in the Canadian Rockies. This
includes; Stewart Creek Golf Club, Greywolf Golf Course, Trickle Creek Golf Resort and Banff Springs Golf Course;
- Royal Fly-Fishing Adventure to some of the best sport fishing rivers in the world;
- Royal Culinary, Wine and Music Experience, matching the skills of the talented RCP chefs with the unique cuisine and culture of
western Canada.
Prices are all-inclusive, starting from $5,400 CDN per person, based on double occupancy.
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