Western Vancouver Island
Industrial Heritage Society
WVIIHS
Industrial Heritage Center
We work to Restore and Display Historical Machinery and Vehicles from both the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society's collection, and the Alberni Valley Museum's Industrial collection.
Alberni Pacific Railway
You can board the train pulled by our completely restored 1929 Baldwin ex-logging locomotive at the 1912 CPR Station and ride out to the McLean Mill National Historic Site.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
THE ALBERNI PACIFIC RAILWAY ACTION GROUP
Fall Fair Parade - Sept. 2023
Thw WVIIHS takes many oppoprtunities each year to promote the Industrial Collection and show off our truck and equipment to the public. This was one of those instances where are large group of volunteers got together to bring out many trucks for the annual Fall Fair Parade.
WVIIHS Volunteers
Volunteers do many things around the WVIIHS. Here are some photos of our wonderful volunteers at the WVIIHS.
Learn about Industrial Heritage
Guided Tours
Recieve a guided tour by one of our very knowledgeable volunteer tour guides.
Use the form to request a guided tour and someone will be in contact with you.
Hats for Sale
Alberni Pacific Railway Train Engineer Hat
Classic Alberni Pacific Railway Engineer hats for sale through McLean Mill.
C$35.00
Comes in Adult and Youth sizes
White cotton sweatband
Plastic adjustable back strap
Our History
The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society was started in 1980, by six members of a model railroaders club. The group was displeased with the condition and placement of the 1912 Shay Locomotive, the “TWO SPOT”, so they requested permission from the City of Port Alberni to cosmetically restore it. During this cleaning process, sonic thickness readings were taken on the boiler shell, revealing very little wear. Robert E. Swanson, British Columbia’s locomotive inspector and driving force behind the "Royal Hudson" restoration, was invited over to inspect the “Two-Spot”. He agreed that the renovation should take it to operational status. They started the restoration in a leased metal building with no heat and a dirt floor, located at the City Works Yard. Despite the tough working conditions it would prove worth it. On August 11th, 1984, the “Two Spot” made its inaugural run from the Roger Street crossing to be met at the Port Alberni Station by a large and passionate crowd.
Over the next three decades, the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society would continue to collect, restore, and operate everything from speeders, to steam engines, to logging trucks.
Become a Member, Volunteer
Support our Society
If you are interested in heritage in the Alberni Valley, then why not become a member of the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society? When you become a member you are invited to our monthly general meetings.
You will also receive a newsletter with the insides of what's been happening over the last couple months called "Spot News" (published every 3 months).
Do you have skills to share, enjoy learning new information? Like to contribute to your community?
Do you like to pull wrenches on trucks, railway equipment or sawmill artifacts?
Do you enjoy working with wood or metal?
Would you like to spend a few hours working hands on with our museum collection or helping children learn about their history and community? Click 'Be A Volunteer Today' button!
BE A PART OF HISTORY!
PLEASE DONATE
The WVIIHS is raising money to complete necessary extensive boiler repair
to our only operating steam locomotive.
If we want the #7 to run again we need your help.