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March 15, 2016
SUMMERLAND — In less than two weeks, people will once again be riding the historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway (KVSR) in Summerland. But the non-profit society running the steam engine recently hit a stumbling block.

A massive boulder plummeted onto a section of the track last month, likely caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

“It was about 12 tonnes. It fell down, it snapped the rails. It snapped the ties, it pushed out the shoulder,” says Kenneth Orford, Kettle Valley Steam Railway General Manager.

On top of repair costs, a geologist, rock scalers and a company that specializes in rock removal were hired. The final bill is $35,000.

“We’re not large enough, and we don’t generate enough revenue into the year to have money sitting in the bank,” says Orford.

In addition to the unexpected costs, the heritage locomotive needs new wheels as part of routine maintenance, but because it is an antique, the cost is about $160,000.

As a result, other projects will be put on hold.

“Infrastructure projects that we wanted to do always get pushed back because of things like this.”

When Mother Nature hands a challenge, like rock slides, Orford hopes the community will rally together to help KVSR overcome the unexpected financial burden.

“We’re going to need some help because the costs of some of the infrastructure upgrades, it’s going to be difficult on our own,” he says.

To make a donation, call the KVSR office (1-877-494-8424) or send an email (reservation@kettlevalleyrail.org).