Bowness mini train damaged in 2013 flood returns to tracks - Action News
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Calgary

Bowness mini train damaged in 2013 flood returns to tracks

It's been out of commission since the 2013 flood, but on Thursday Calgarians got their first look at the restoration project.

Nenshi says it brings back fond childhood memories

Bowness mini train back on track

8 years ago
Duration 0:38
Calgary's beloved little choo choo train is ready to ride again.

Calgary's beloved little choo chootrainis ready to ride again.

The Bowness mini train has beentakingtots and adults around Bowness Park since the early1950s, but was badly damaged bythe 2013 flood.

"It was just covered in silt, and it got into all the parts of it,and it was really in need of a full restoration," said Michelle Reidwith Calgary Parks.

Al Millard was heavily involved in the restoration. (Evelyne Asselin/CBC)

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said it brings back fond memories.

"I had so much fun riding the train as a kidand just as much fun again today as an adult," he said.

"The mini train is an integral part ofBownessPark's rich history, and the restoration of it celebrates that history. This park will remain a special place for allCalgarians,and the mini train is a large part of that."

The miniature train has been taking people on rides around Bowness Park since the early 1950s. (City of Calgary)

The city was able to find a man in Okotoks to repair the train, but it wasn't an easy task.

"It was very hard to find all of the parts, and so he actually had to make a lot of the parts himself," said Reid.

Dozens of Calgarians of all ages got their first look at the Bowness Park mini train restoration on Thursday. (Evelyne Asselin/CBC)

The director of Calgary Parks says a lot of love went into the restoration.

"Remaking history piece by piece is an extensive and challenging task,"Anne Charlton said.

"The workmanship is incredible, and the pride in work the restoration team took was clearly a labour of love. The mini-train is a fitting touch to the Bowness Park makeover that's been underway since 2012."

The train runs daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 5. It's open until 8 p.m. on holidays.

It costs $5 per person, $10 for a family of four and it's free for children under two years old.


With files from the Calgary Eyeopener