Funding Boost for Little Prince Sent to Staff
Monday, December 17, 2012 @ 6:42 PM
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Little Prince was a hit on Thanksgiving weekend. – photo 250News archive
Prince George, B.C.- “I had one man standing in the station, crying, he was so pleased the train was running ” says Tracy Calegheros, CEO of the Fraser Fort George Museum as she described how happy people were to see the historic 24”gauge “Little Prince” steam engine train up and running on Thanksgiving weekend at Fort George Park.
The train had hoped to be on the tracks for the long weekend in May, but there were a number of issues. A breakdown in the steam injectors, difficulties in new certification, training of new engineers and inspection fees. It meant the Little Prince was short about $21 thousand dollars this year. “The Museum has absorbed that loss, and we are carrying it forward as an accumulated deficit” says Calogheros.
The city put $ 13,500 into the train operation last year, ,an amount the Mayor says is already a concern for her. She wants to see Tourism Prince George on the list of possible funding sources as the City of Prince George puts $300 thousand a year into Tourism Prince George.
The Little Prince is 100 years old, and is the only 24” gauge steam train of its kind in North America. Calogheros says she has looked to try and get funding for its heritage value, she has not been able to find any source that would support funding for the train.
There are hopes the train will be a featured piece of the City’s centennial celebrations in 2015. Calogheros is requesting the City boost its budget by $1,500 to a full $15 thousand dollars for 2013.
Councillor Albert Koehler says perhaps Calogheros could get some corporate sponsorship to carry the extra funding instead of coming to the City. , Calogheros made it clear that this is not a call for help “ We were approached by the City of Prince George to run the train, and I have a contract saying you want us to do so, so, to frame this up as saying I am coming to City council asking for a handout, I find that, frankly, quite offensive,”.
Council has recommended the budget request be referred to staff.
Comments
Some thing to factor in now that it will be running is its value as a tourist draw and the money that will bring in, tourist dollars. The steamer crowd is huge.
I wouldn’t cry over a train. This individual needs counseling.
well done Tracy …. you have coordinated the resoration of a unique, one of a kind piece for the community’s benefit
shame on you Mayor Green … if you want Tourism Prince George’s funds to go to the museum, then do it through the front door … cut one and fund the other, but don’t pass the buck on a decision you are not prepared to take responsibility for
shame on you Councillor Koehler … put your own cap in your hand and go to your buddies in the corporate sector yourself and do a little corporate fund raising… Ms. Calogheros is quite right to remind you that you contracted her to do a job and now you want to pass along fund raising as well … it is time for this council to roll up their sleeves and do their own work … nothing wrong with a bit of dirt under your finger nails
one day we need to convince Ben to give us a spell and grammer checker … my apoligies to the club’s grammarian
yup. $24,000.00 trip to China for what? better to of put it towards the steam train I think
“one day we need to convince Ben to give us a spell and grammer checker … my apoligies to the club’s grammarian”
Uh, you misspelled “Grammar” and “Apologies”.
Now that’s funny. BTW I would like to shed a tear or two for the little Green Prince as well. Most people weren’t around during the steam powered locomotive. They were on the way out after I was five, but they impressed me and I still miss them and the sound of the whistle. So you see Harbinger that man had a heart and understood the history of steam power.
But then again when my significant other engaged her “steam” iron, my eyes didn’t well up in tears. Not that I remember.
âWe were approached by the City of Prince George to run the train, and I have a contract saying you want us to do so, so, to frame this up as saying I am coming to City council asking for a handout, I find that, frankly, quite offensive,â
Ha ha ha. You tell ’em Tracy!
This train has brought more smiles and excellent memories to all that have had the pleasure of being a passenger.
Maybe if the mayor could hire another friend and have them run it there would be no question about the funding.
This train is a PG icon… unlike the mayor which has turned into a 4 year mistake.
oh I like it P Val – can I apply? For $125,000 per year you can call me the Director of Little Prince Maintenance and Development. Heck, throw in some expenses and add ‘tourism and promotion’ to the title ;)
To funny Interceptor :)
Railway director of steam and locomotional transportationism
you like that title ?
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