Rail
The local Squamish portion of the CN rail system was started in 1910, and the original mainline still runs through downtown. The shop area currently being developed into an industrial park was established in 1914 and expanded to become the base of what was then the BC Rail maintenance facility for the Southern portion of the railway line.
CN now operates trains on land owned by the province of BC (formerly BC RAIL).
The original strategy for building the railway through Squamish was to create a gateway for moving resources out of the interior of BC to the coast. This remains the focus today, continuing as a valuable asset to the local area and businesses. These resources include forestry, minerals, and day to day needs of the people and communities along the line.
The future of the rail line could eventually see a link to Alaska from the north end, thereby creating a link to the United States.
Squamish houses 30 km of track in the local community, including the mainline, one yard of 6 tracks, and one track downtown to feed the specific industries located there. This downtown line could see further benefit in the future, possibly feeding the Nexen lands for various purposes, such as passenger trains from cruise ships. Lastly there is also an imporant line running from the yard down to Squamish Terminals.
Current Rail Use Frequency & Schedules
CN
CN is the main user of the local rail system, for freight purposes only, with no current focus on passenger operations. CN currently runs 2 trains or less direction per day.
Rocky Mountaineer
Launched in 2006, Rocky Mountaineer is now offering an high-end sightseeing tour train service from Vancouver to Whistler, the Whistler Mountaineer. Running mid April to mid October, this exciting new service brings visitors from Vancouver through to Whistler, exploring the sea-to-sky region as a destination itself or to compliment an Alaskan cruise vacation.
West Coast Railway Association
The West Coast Railway Association is also currently using the line for excursions with their equipment including the historical Royal Hudson.
Source: Trevor Mills, Railway Historian, Squamish, BC
What they're saying...
Our companies, Ravens Plateau Development Corp. and University Heights Development Corp. have been involved with land development and home building in Squamish for the past 5 years. The completed value of our projects is in the range of some $250 million dollars. Throughout the course of this work, we have had extensive dealings with the District of Squamish at all levels. Whenever problems arose, they were dealt with efficiently and with proper attention. Sometimes, the issues became quite complicated.
