History
Wildlife Express Volunteer Society (W.E.V.S)
W.E.V.S is a non-profit volunteer run society. Our purpose is to build and operate a miniature railroad (Wildlife Express) at the Kamloops Wildlife Park and, in that connection, to maintain, develop, and expand the facilities of the miniature railroad for the entertainment and enjoyment of all visitors to the BC Wildlife Park.
A brief history
Fall 1977
City of Kamloops purchases miniature train
Purchased from the City of Regina, Saskatchewan. Recognizing this train would be a valuable addition to the Kamloops Wildlife Park, the City and parks board agreed to this addition.
Walter Emmington & Ed Storey recruited their railroad friends to join them, the train would be operated by retired Railroaders and others with a keen interest in the project.
March 1978
The Kamloops Senior Citizens Railroad Society was formed
The majority of the 24 charter members were retired railroaders. The name was chosen to recognize that the railroad project was possible only through the efforts of the city’s senior citizens.
The society set out its objectives to: build, operate and maintain the railroad at Kamloops Wildlife Park; develop and expand facilities as related to railroading; incorporate landscaping as related to railroading; continue to enhance railroading entertainment for the citizens to enjoy.
It was decided the railroad would operate with no cost to the City or Wildlife Park. Under the governments Youth Employment Program five students were hired to help lay the railroad track.
May 18 1978
Wildlife Express was born
The society voted, the miniature train was officially named “Wildlife Express”. The train was painted with the wildlife colour of orange on the dominant center stripe, red on the narrow upper stripe and blue on the narrow lower stripe.
June 13 1978
“First Spike” Construction begins
June 13th 1978 at 2:30pm the “First Spike” was hammered in to kick off the actual laying of the 1700 foot, 16 inch gauge track.
By mid-June the ticket booth and platform were well underway, the engine painted and chain link fence erected to use as a storage area to temporarily house the 45 foot train.
Sunday July 23 1978
The “Last Spike”
The crowd looked on as three members of the society drove in the “Last Spike.” Train rides, and entertainment was enjoyed by all who attended.
The official opening celebration began. Mayor Mike Latta, in acknowledging the significant amount of work done by the Kamloops Senior Citizen Railroad Society, proclaimed the day as “Kamloops Senior Citizen Railroad Day.”
250 “Gold Spikes” was given to children and adults who had a train ride. Within 6 weeks 6,000 tickets were bought for a ride on Kamloops newest attraction.
End of summer 1978
Wild Success
In only 6 weeks of railroad operation in 1978, 6,000 took a ride on the Wildlife Express. Kamloops’ newest attraction.
The fee structure was $0.50 for adults and $0.25 for children 12 years and under.
November 16 1978
A station was needed
Construction started on the station house. HUDAC (Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada) supplied all materials and labour to build the station with an expected completion data of Spring 1979.
This was the first metric railroad station in North America; size 4.8 x 11 meters.
Gardening labour was provided by Kamloops Garden Club members, shrubs were planted and KSCRS provided turf and labor for the lawns.
July 22 1979
HUDAC Jct officially opens
Today, HUDAC Junction houses the Duncan Museum of railroad artifacts a ticketing booth and waiting area.
The museum was named after A.A. Duncan who loaned his personal collection of railway artifacts, including the push carts still on display today.
1989
A Second Loop
Unused 60# rail was obtain from the CN Okanagan sub, and another loop was added north of the existing loop, going around what is now the Bison exhibit.
This addition took the total length up to 5/8th of a mile (3,330 ft) or 1 KM.
1997-1999
Time for an upgrade
A new bigger train was needed. Kamloops city council approves the purchase of a new train, $240,158.50 to be repaid by the society with a minimum $10,000 per year repayment.
The new train has a 24″ gauge, the existing train and track is 16″ (Gauge is the width between the two rails)
So as to not disrupt service of the existing train, the new 24″ gauge rail was laid next to the existing track. Once the new train arrived, the old 16″ rails could be removed, causing little to no disruption in train service.
1999
A Fond Farewell
After over 20 years of service, the original Wildlife Express takes its final trip around the Kamloops Wildlife Park.
The train, along with the rails was sold to the City of Brantford, Ontario.
1999
New Train Arrives
The engine is a 1/3 scale reproduction of Locomotive No.1 C.P. Huntington built in 1871.
The new train was purchased from Chance Rides, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
The locomotive and four coaches were transported by truck from Kansas to Kamloops.
May 1999
First Trip
The new train can carry up to 60 passengers in covered coaches.
The new train also features a wheelchair accessible coach.
1999 was also the same year the BC Wildlife park introduced Wildlights where the park is transformed into a wonderland of twinkling lights and animal figures throughout the park.
Wildlights is a very popular addition to the park, the Wildlife Express is gaily lit for this event and runs nightly throughout the Wildlights spectacle.
Since 1999 there have been numerous upgrades to the Wildlife Express grounds and facilities. 8 feet was added onto the station house to accommodate our museum. The north loop was shortened and re-aligned to allow for a $10,000,000 expansion to the park including a new amphitheater.
Today the Wildlife Express, including all its tracks, crossing, switches and buildings are maintained by the Wildlife Express Volunteer Society. A non profit society of dedicated volunteers with one mission;
To bring the Wildlife Express to life through volunteer-led experiences that connect visitors with wildlife, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories.
Mission
To bring the Wildlife Express miniature railroad to life through volunteer-led experiences that connect visitors with wildlife, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories.
Vision
A Wildlife Express experience that becomes a highlight of every park visit, leaving guests with a stronger connection to wildlife and nature.
Values
Visitor Experience First
We focus on creating engaging, memorable moments for every guest.
Pride in the Experience
Take ownership in making the Wildlife Express something special.
Creativity
We add fun, imagination, and learning to everything we build and support.
Volunteer Commitment
We show up, contribute, and support one another with purpose and enthusiasm.
Tagline
“Volunteers bringing the Wildlife Express to life.”
Thank you to our founders, who in 1977, with nothing more than an idea and a passion for railroading, started what would become a rich and prized tradition for Kamloopsians and visitors alike.
ALL ABOARD! The Wildlife Express