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.

Restoration Activity

Our restoration projects

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


PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR BUSINESS AND FEASIBILITY PLANNING


The Alberni Pacific Railway Action Group is spearheading an initiative to develop a world-class, inclusive tourism experience that involves and sustains the operation of the historic railway line connecting the Port Alberni Train Station to the McLean Mill National Historic Site.

This project is supported by the Western Vancouver Island Heritage Society, Island Corridor Foundation, Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, 4VI (Tourism Vancouver Island), Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Port Alberni Port Authority, the City of Port Alberni and others,
The Alberni Pacific Railway seeks requests for proposals for project management services for planning and development of a comprehensive business case for the railway's restoration and operation, integrating global best practices for tourism experience design and delivery.

Proposals will be considered based upon the following general evaluation criteria: Fee Schedule; Qualifications; Experience, Work Samples, References; Method of Approach, and Timeline and Milestones. Additional information, including a project description, the scope of work, submission requirements, and details on how the proposal evaluation criteria are weighted is included in the Request for Proposals solicitation document.

Copies of the Request for Proposals solicitation document may be obtained from the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society below.


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.
Request a Guided Tour
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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.

Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society

CONTACTS

Our Location

3250A 9th Ave. Port Alberni BC, Canada, V9Y 4T2


(250) 723-4285


ihsportalberni@gmail.com


© 2023 All Rights Reserved

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