Stanley Park Train to remain offline this spring

The iconic Stanley Park Train in Vancouver will not reopen this spring due to unresolved emission safety issues related to its aging locomotives. Steve Jackson, General Manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, expressed disappointment over the extended closure, noting the impact on families looking forward to the seasonal attraction. Since late last year, train operations have been halted after safety concerns prompted the cancellation of the Bright Nights Christmas Train. Testing on the engines, all over 50 years old, revealed that efforts to mitigate emissions were unsuccessful. Lon LaClaire, the General Manager of Engineering Services, emphasized the challenges of refurbishing such old engines to meet current regulatory requirements.

This ongoing situation raises significant concerns about the operational and financial future of the train. In response, city staff are conducting a thorough analysis of possible solutions, which will be presented to Park Board Commissioners in June 2025. The hope is to find a viable path forward that preserves this cherished community attraction.