Fund Type: Charitable Organizations
Community: Prince George
The Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum (CBCRFM) is located at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers, on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh. We strive to preserve and highlight the interrelated nature of Railway and Forestry industries in North Central BC as well as their impact on the local landscape and people. The CBCRFM has been able to grow and develop, in part with the support of The Prince George Community Foundation’s Endowment Fund.
The Museum grew from the efforts of six local residents who undertook the restoration of a wooden 1903 Russell railway snowplow, which belonged to Northwood Pulp and Timber Ltd and formerly the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE). It was then discovered that there was a considerable amount of railway equipment of historical value that was about to be discarded by the Railways. It also seemed that this equipment would be of interest to local residents and visitors alike, and there was sufficient community support for a railway museum.
Since the CBCRFM’s incorporation on March 22nd 1983, our membership and assets have grown rapidly. We have seen many changes to the museum over the last decade, the addition of asphalt pathways, and ramps to heritage buildings assists in providing greater accessibility for visitors. The construction of a train playground adds another element of excitement for youth visiting the park. An Urban Orchard planted in 2015, consists of over one hundred fruit trees, and three hundred fruiting shrubs. This project fits nicely with the many gardens we have onsite, and dove broadly into why train stations would have had gardens. Much of the produce is donated to food shelters in Prince George, while some is enjoyed by visitors as they tour the park and facilities.
Until the early 2000s, apart from summer help the CBCRFM had no paid employees. Members performed all the work on a volunteer basis. Today, the CBCRFM has four permanent staff positions, and is still heavily reliant on support from our amazing volunteers. The support of the Prince George Community Foundation and endowment fund assists the CBCRFM to continue moving forward in our objectives, and continues to be an organization that provides meaningful, positive impact in the community of Prince George.
