Railways in Southern British Columbia: Difference between revisions

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The railway events in this timeline are represented in this [[Railways in Southern British Columbia Map]].
==1880s==
==1880s==
===1883===
===1883===
Line 20: Line 21:
===1891===
===1891===
*Spring - C&K completed to Nelson {{MW|p=24}}
*Spring - C&K completed to Nelson {{MW|p=24}}
*Silver found in Sandon {{WP|Kaslo and Slocan Railway|link}}
*Silver found in Sandon [[Kaslo and Slocan Railway]]
*Two railroads chartered to build to Nicola that both died.  Nicola Valley Railway (backed by CPR) [Spences Bridge to Nicola] and Nicola, Kamloops & Similkameen Coal & Railway Company (indep.) [Kamloops to Nicola to Princton and Osoyoos] {{MW|p88}}
*Two railroads chartered to build to Nicola that both died.  Nicola Valley Railway (backed by CPR) [Spences Bridge to Nicola] and Nicola, Kamloops & Similkameen Coal & Railway Company (indep.) [Kamloops to Nicola to Princton and Osoyoos] {{MW|p=88}}
*GN crosses into Canada for first time at New Westminster {{MW|p=146}} but blocked from Vancouver by Fraser River
*GN crosses into Canada for first time at New Westminster {{MW|p=146}} but blocked from Vancouver by Fraser River
*October 1 - Shuswap & Okanagan (S&O) - built from Sicamous to Vernon (Okanagan Landing) (CPR). {{MW|p=27}} {{MP1|60}} [http://www.enderbymuseum.ca/thepast/trans/trains/railcons.htm]
===1892===
===1892===
*Shuswap & Okanagan (S&O) - built from Sicamous to Vernon - only know built before or during 1893 (CPR). {{MW|p=27}}
*N&S receives charter ([[Nakusp and Slocan Railway]])
*N&S receives charter {{WP|Nelson and Slocan Railway|link}}
 
===1893===
===1893===
*December - N&FS opens to Five Mile Point {{MW|p=26}}
*December - N&FS opens to Five Mile Point {{MW|p=26}}
*Great Northern Railway mainline completed (via Jennings, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Spokane) {{MW|p=28}}
*Great Northern Railway mainline completed (via Kalispell, Jennings, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Spokane) {{MW|p=28}} {{MP2|29}}
*August, Northern Pacific Railway bankrupt {{MW|p=29}} and obtained by Great Northern {{MW|p=44}}
*August, Northern Pacific Railway bankrupt {{MW|p=29}} and obtained by Great Northern {{MW|p=44}}
===1894===
===1894===
*October - N&S reaches Three Forks {{WP|Nakusp and Slocan Railway|link}}
*October - N&S reaches Three Forks ([[Nakusp and Slocan Railway]])
===1895===
===1895===
*April - K&S construction started {{MW|p=32}}
*April - K&S construction started {{MW|p=32}}
*October, late - K&S reaches Sandon {{MW|p=32}}
*October, late - K&S reaches Sandon {{MW|p=32}}
*December, 15 - N&S reaches Sandon {{MW|p=32}}
*December, 15 - N&S reaches Sandon {{MW|p=32}}
*Corbin begins construction on Northport to Rossland, Red Mountain Railway(CDN), Columbia & Red Mountain Railway (US) {{MP2|89}}
*GN's N&FS builds from Troup Junction to Nelson {{MP2|49}}
===1896===
===1896===
*January - C&W charter for Trail to Penticton by Heinze {{MW|p=35}}
*January - C&W charter for Trail to Penticton by Heinze {{MW|p=35}}
Line 46: Line 52:
*December - Heinz starts construction on C&W {{MW|p=41}}
*December - Heinz starts construction on C&W {{MW|p=41}}
*CPR builts Revelstoke to Arrowhead {{SKL|49}}
*CPR builts Revelstoke to Arrowhead {{SKL|49}}
*Corbin completes Red Mountain Railway - Rossland to Northport {{MP2|89}}
===1897===
===1897===
*June, 16 - Heinz (C&W) fails in merger with VV&E {{MW|p=41}}
*June, 16 - Heinz (C&W) fails in merger with VV&E {{MW|p=41}}
*September 23 - Mackenzie & Mann acquire controlling interest in VV&E {{MW|p=45}}
*September 23 - Mackenzie & Mann acquire controlling interest in VV&E {{MW|p=45}}
*C&K completed up Slocan Valley to Slocan City {{WP|Columbia and Kootenay Railway|link}}
*C&K completed up Slocan Valley to Slocan City ([[Columbia and Kootenay Railway]])
*September - Heinz's C&W connects Trail to Robson West [''Peter'']
*September - Heinz's C&W connects Trail to Robson West [''Peter'']
===1898===
===1898===
*early - Corbin's smelter in Northport starts operation - serving Rossland via his Red Mountain Railway{{MP2|89}}
*February - Heinz sells Rossland, smelter, and half C&W to CPR {{MW|p=42}}
*February - Heinz sells Rossland, smelter, and half C&W to CPR {{MW|p=42}}
*March 19 - Corbin charters Kettle River Valley Railway in US to connect Boundary with his SF&N but denied Canadian portion {{MW|p=43}}
*March 19 - Corbin charters Kettle River Valley Railway in US to connect Boundary with his SF&N but denied Canadian portion {{MW|p=43}}
*June 15 - VV&E (Mann) agrees to build from Miday to Coast, CPR agrees to build from Kootenays only to Midway {{MW|p=47}}
*June 15 - VV&E (Mann) agrees to build from Miday to Coast, CPR agrees to build from Kootenays only to Midway {{MW|p=47}}
*June 27 - VV&E starts construction at Penticton {{MW|p=47}}
*June 27 - VV&E starts construction at Penticton {{MW|p=47}}
*July 1 - Great Northern obtains control of Corbin's SF&N {{MW|p=44}}
*July 1 - Great Northern obtains control of Corbin's SF&N and Red Mountain Railway {{MW|p=44}} {{MP2|89}}
*October 15 - Last spike on CPRs Crows Nest to Kootenay Landing railway built in just over year {{MW|p=44}}
*October 15 - Last spike on CPRs Crows Nest to Kootenay Landing railway built in just over year {{MW|p=44}}
*late - CPR works on C&W {{MW|p=48}}
*late - CPR works on C&W {{MW|p=48}}
*GN's Bedlington & Nelson Rly (CDN) and Kootenai Valley Railway (US) starts construction between Bonners Ferry (mainline) to border to Creston to Kuskonook {{MP2|54}} ([http://www.crowsnest-highway.ca/timeline.pl?page=10] says complete to border by end of 1898)
===1899===
===1899===
*early - CPR works on C&W {{MW|p=48}}
*early - CPR works on C&W {{MW|p=48}}
Line 65: Line 73:
*June - Shaughnessy succeeds Van Horne as president of the CPR {{MW|p=48}}
*June - Shaughnessy succeeds Van Horne as president of the CPR {{MW|p=48}}
*September 18 - CPR complets C&W to Grand Forks, grading to Midway {{MW|p=49}}
*September 18 - CPR complets C&W to Grand Forks, grading to Midway {{MW|p=49}}
*CPR starts construction on BCSR to Kimberley {{MP2|45}}
==1900s==
==1900s==
===1900===
===1900===
Line 73: Line 82:
*August - Granby Consolidated opens smelter in Grand Forks {{MW|p=65}}
*August - Granby Consolidated opens smelter in Grand Forks {{MW|p=65}}
*December 13 - VV&E sold to Great Northern and CPR announces plan for Vancouver & Grand Forks {{MW|p=54}}  
*December 13 - VV&E sold to Great Northern and CPR announces plan for Vancouver & Grand Forks {{MW|p=54}}  
*CPR completes construction on BCSR to Kimberley  {{MP2|45}}
*GN's Bedlington & Nelson Railway completes route to Kuskonook {{MP2|54}} (started in 1898) with shared trackage between Wyndell (n. of Creston) to Sirdar Jct (at Kootenay Lake)
===1901===
===1901===
*March 28 - Dunsmiur announces subsidy award for Kootenay and coast railway {{MW|p=56}}
*March 28 - Dunsmiur announces subsidy award for Kootenay and coast railway {{MW|p=56}}
Line 82: Line 93:
*August 31 - Construction starts on Kettle River Valley Railway {{MW|p=68}}
*August 31 - Construction starts on Kettle River Valley Railway {{MW|p=68}}
*October 28 - KRVR-R&KR receives first locomotive {{MW|p=68}}
*October 28 - KRVR-R&KR receives first locomotive {{MW|p=68}}
*GN builds Morrissey Creak Branch in Crowsnest from CPR track (short spur?) {{MP2|29}}
*Kootenay Central Railway (Windermere) chartered independently {{MP2|38}}
===1902===
===1902===
*January 2 - KRVR-R&KR reaches Curlew {{MW|p=69}}
*January 2 - KRVR-R&KR reaches Curlew {{MW|p=69}}
Line 96: Line 109:
*late - Tracy Holland resigns as head of Kettle Valley {{MW|p=76}}
*late - Tracy Holland resigns as head of Kettle Valley {{MW|p=76}}
''Note: Kettle River Valley Railway (CDN) and Republic & Kettle River Railway (US) were merged into single entity called Kettle Valley Lines''
''Note: Kettle River Valley Railway (CDN) and Republic & Kettle River Railway (US) were merged into single entity called Kettle Valley Lines''
*GN builds Montana & Great Northern (US) from mainline at Jennings to border (via Rexford) and Crows Nest Southern (CDN) from border to Swinton (in Crossnest) and connected with Morrissey spur (from 1901) {{MP2|29}}
===1903===
===1903===
*September - Vancouver & Coast-Kootenay Railway starts token construction {{MW|p=63}}
*September - Vancouver & Coast-Kootenay Railway starts token construction {{MW|p=63}}
Line 102: Line 116:
===1904===
===1904===
*January 1 - Midway & Vernon (independent) starts token construction at Vernon - one man with wheelbarrow to sustain charter{{MW|p=82}}  built 1/4 of mile over several years
*January 1 - Midway & Vernon (independent) starts token construction at Vernon - one man with wheelbarrow to sustain charter{{MW|p=82}}  built 1/4 of mile over several years
*GN reroutes mainline between Columbia Falls and Jennings via Rexford {{MP2|29}}
*GN extends Crows Nest Southern through Fernie {{MP2|29}} (to Michel by 1908)
*GN abandons section from CPR to Kuskonook (short!) {{MP2|54}} officially abandoned in 1913.
===1905===
===1905===
*Corbin (backed by CP) announces Spokane International to Moyie Lake
*Corbin (backed by CP) announces Spokane International to Moyie Lake
Line 109: Line 126:
*November 12 - CPR leases NK&S from Mr. Merritt.  CPR talks of connecting it to Midway. {{MW|p=90}}
*November 12 - CPR leases NK&S from Mr. Merritt.  CPR talks of connecting it to Midway. {{MW|p=90}}
*November 9 - CPR and GN clash just west of Midway over property rights {{MW|p=102}}
*November 9 - CPR and GN clash just west of Midway over property rights {{MW|p=102}}
*GN builds from Curlew to Ferry, US (opposite Midway) {{MP2|108}}
===1906===
===1906===
*CPR's Nicola Branch under construction {{MW|p=64+}}
*CPR's Nicola Branch under construction {{MW|p=64+}}
Line 114: Line 132:
*June 16 - Kettle Valley starts slowly building north from Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*June 16 - Kettle Valley starts slowly building north from Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*October 31 - NK&S approved between Spences Bridge and Coutlee {{MW|p=92}}
*October 31 - NK&S approved between Spences Bridge and Coutlee {{MW|p=92}}
*GN operates VV&E from Midway to Molson (opposite Bridesville) {{MP2|108}}
===1907===
===1907===
*GN completes Midway to Oroville (south of Osoyoos) {{MP2|108}}
*CPR's Nicola Branch completed {{MW|p=64+}}
*CPR's Nicola Branch completed {{MW|p=64+}}
*January 22 - first coal leaves Nicola Valley {{MW|p=94}}
*January 22 - first coal leaves Nicola Valley {{MW|p=94}}
Line 120: Line 140:
*May - GN crosses border from Oroville (south of Keremeos) building towards Princeton {{MW|p=105}}
*May - GN crosses border from Oroville (south of Keremeos) building towards Princeton {{MW|p=105}}
*July 10 - GN reaches Keremeos {MW|p=107}}
*July 10 - GN reaches Keremeos {MW|p=107}}
*spring - Spokane Intl nears complation {{MW|p=106}}
*spring - Spokane Intl nears complation {{MW|p=106}}; {{MP2|53}} says completed in 1906.
*June 24 - Kettle Valley Lines completes track through Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*June 24 - Kettle Valley Lines completes track through Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*end of summer - KVL built to 18 miles north of Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*end of summer - KVL built to 18 miles north of Grand Forks {{MW|p=77}}
*general depression causes drop in copper prices so KVL suspends operating to Republic {{MW|p=78}}
*general depression causes drop in copper prices so KVL suspends operating to Republic {{MW|p=78}}
*GN stops construction in Crowsnest at Michel (near Fernie) {{MW|p=107}}
*GN stops construction in Crowsnest at Michel (near Fernie) {{MW|p=107}}
*Kootenay Central Railway (Windermere) builds 12 miles south of Golden {{MP2|38}}.  One of the main contractors is Burns and Jordon (BC-InteriorRR mailing list)
===1908===
===1908===
*April - J.J. Warren (for KVR) and Shaughnessy (for CPR) discuss joint effort {{MW|p=114}}
*April - J.J. Warren (for KVR) and Shaughnessy (for CPR) discuss joint effort {{MW|p=114}}
*GN extends crowsnest to Michel {{MP2|29}} from Fernie (1904)
===1909===
===1909===
*July - GN grade to Princeton, ready for rails {{MW|p=108}}
*July - GN grade to Princeton, ready for rails {{MW|p=108}}
Line 139: Line 162:
*February 21 - GN starts tunnel east of Princeton {{MW|p=148}}, also start building east from Abbotsford
*February 21 - GN starts tunnel east of Princeton {{MW|p=148}}, also start building east from Abbotsford
*end of year - GN to Tulameen (from Princeton) and Hope (from Abbotsford) {{MW|p=149}} NOT - see 1911
*end of year - GN to Tulameen (from Princeton) and Hope (from Abbotsford) {{MW|p=149}} NOT - see 1911
*Canadian Northern Pacific starts construction at Port Mann {{MP1|85}}
*CPR leases Kootenay Central Railway (Windermere) {{MP2|39}}
*GN ceases operation of Kaslo & Slocan {{MP2|54}}
===1911===
===1911===
*February 8 - KVR tracks to Rock Creek from Midway {{MW|p=133}}
*February 8 - KVR tracks to Rock Creek from Midway {{MW|p=133}}
Line 147: Line 173:
*end of year - GN track to Coalmont (from Princeton) and only 5 miles from Abbotsford {{MW|p=150}}
*end of year - GN track to Coalmont (from Princeton) and only 5 miles from Abbotsford {{MW|p=150}}
*GN builds connection between Oroville and its mainline at Wenatchee {{MW|p=152}}
*GN builds connection between Oroville and its mainline at Wenatchee {{MW|p=152}}
*CPR builds 42 miles south of Golden to Spillimacheen and 25 miles north from Colvalli to Fort Steele {{MP2|39}}
===1912===
===1912===
*spring - McCulloch lays out plans for Adra curved tunnel {{MW|p=143}}
*spring - McCulloch lays out plans for Adra curved tunnel {{MW|p=143}}
Line 171: Line 198:
*December - track reaches Hydraulic (from Rock Creek) {{MW|p=171}}
*December - track reaches Hydraulic (from Rock Creek) {{MW|p=171}}
*late - GN basically gives up on BC railroading, cutting back service, construction up Tulameen {{MW|p=161}}
*late - GN basically gives up on BC railroading, cutting back service, construction up Tulameen {{MW|p=161}}
*Canadian Northern Pacific completes track through canyon (just to Boston Bar?) {{MP1|85}}
===1914===
===1914===
*February 28 - KVR officially changes route to go through Princeton (including trackage rights on GN west of Princeton) {{MW|p=174}}
*February 28 - KVR officially changes route to go through Princeton (including trackage rights on GN west of Princeton) {{MW|p=174}}
Line 180: Line 208:
*October 12 - Railway complete between Penticton and Midway {{MW|p=64+}}, {{MW|p=2}}
*October 12 - Railway complete between Penticton and Midway {{MW|p=64+}}, {{MW|p=2}}
*October 25 - GN completes Princeton to Otter Summitt, thereby connecting through to Merritt and Spences Bridge {{MW|p=176}}
*October 25 - GN completes Princeton to Otter Summitt, thereby connecting through to Merritt and Spences Bridge {{MW|p=176}}
*CPR completes Golden to Colvalli {{MP2|39}}
===1915===
===1915===
*January 23 - Canadian Northern Pacific Railway last spike at Basque but operations not started until end of year because of Black Canyon Tunnel collapse {{MP1|71}}
*April - construction just east of Princton {{MW|p=64+}}
*April - construction just east of Princton {{MW|p=64+}}
*April 23 - Last spike on Midway to Merrit section at Princeton {{MW|p=64+}}, {{MW|p=177}}
*April 23 - Last spike on Midway to Merrit section at Princeton {{MW|p=64+}}, {{MW|p=177}}
Line 189: Line 219:
*November 1 - CPR turns over Nicola branch to KVR {{MW|p=178}}
*November 1 - CPR turns over Nicola branch to KVR {{MW|p=178}}
*December - construction on Coquihalla pass but not completed until 1916 (work restarted in May 1916) {{MW|p=96+}} {{MW|p=182}}
*December - construction on Coquihalla pass but not completed until 1916 (work restarted in May 1916) {{MW|p=96+}} {{MW|p=182}}
*Pacific Great Eastern finishes track to Lilloet and beyond to Clinton/Chasm [http://www.cn.ca/companyinfo/history/en_AboutHistoryBCRail.shtml]
===1916===
===1916===
*May - work restarts on finishing Coquihalla pass {{MW|p=96+}}
*May - work restarts on finishing Coquihalla pass {{MW|p=96+}}
Line 195: Line 227:
*July 31 - work done on Coquihalla pass {{MW|p=96+}} {{MW|p=184}}
*July 31 - work done on Coquihalla pass {{MW|p=96+}} {{MW|p=184}}
*September 27 - GN operates single inspection train over Coquihalla {{MW|p=187}}
*September 27 - GN operates single inspection train over Coquihalla {{MW|p=187}}
*GN abandons Bedlington & Nelson from Wyndell (n. of Creston) to border {{MP2|54}} ([http://www.crowsnest-highway.ca/timeline.pl?page=16] says Sept 11, 1914) US portion abandoned some time later??
===1919===
*KVR (under CPR) ceases operation to Republic {{MP2|97}}
==1920s==
==1920s==
===1920===
===1920===
*October - Copper Mountain Subdivision opens {{MW|p=96+}}
*October - Copper Mountain Subdivision opens {{MW|p=96+}}
===1921===
*GN abandon's Red Mountain line between Rossland and Northport (originally built in 1896 by Corbin) {{MP2|89}}
===1923===
===1923===
*KVR builds spur to Skaha Lake from Penticton and from Okanagan Falls to Haynes with barge on Skaha Lake connecting (connected in 1931) {{MP|117}}
*KVR builds spur to Skaha Lake from Penticton and from Okanagan Falls to Haynes with barge on Skaha Lake connecting (connected in 1931) {{MP|117}}
===1925===
*CN builds from CPR @ Monte Creek (near Kamloops) to Armstrong, then trackage rights on CP's S&O to Vernon, then to Kelowna {{MP1|64}}
*CN builds from Vernon to Lumby (CN Lumby Subdivision) {{MP1|67}}
*CN & CP agree to share all trackage between Armstrong, Vernon, Lumby, and Kelowna {{MP1|60}}
===1926===
*GN abandons its Crows Nest Southern route between Elko and Michel (gets CPR trackage rights from Elko to Fernie) {{MP2|23}} {{MP2|29}}
==1930s==
==1930s==
===1931===
===1931===
*CPR completes railway between Proctor and Kootenay Landing along Kootenay Lake {{MW|p=256}}
*CPR completes railway between Proctor and Kootenay Landing along Kootenay Lake {{MW|p=256}}
*CPR connects around Skaha Lake, renamed spur as CPR Osoyoos Subdivision even though ended 10 miles short of CPR (originally built 1923) {{MP|117}}
*CPR connects around Skaha Lake, renamed spur as CPR Osoyoos Subdivision even though ended 10 miles short of CPR (originally built 1923) {{MP|117}}
*summer - GN abandons Orovill-Molson, and Midway-Molson {{MW|p=222}}
*summer - GN abandons Orovill-Molson, and Midway-Molson {{MW|p=222}}.  {{MP2|108}} says only Oroville to Midway
===1935===
===1935===
*KVR abandons North Fork line north of Grand Forks {{MW|p=222}}
*KVR abandons North Fork line north of Grand Forks {{MW|p=222}}
*GN abandons Molson to Curlew {{MP2|108}}
===1936===
*GN ceases operation on CPR's crowsnest line, isolating its Morrissey Fernie & Michel {{MP2|23}}
===1937===
===1937===
*September 30 - GN abandons Princeton to Hedley
*September 30 - GN abandons Princeton to Hedley
*GN abandons Crows Nest Southern from border to Elko (Elko to Michel abandoned in 1926) {{MP2|29}}
==1940s==
==1940s==
===1940===
*Shuswap & Okanagan (CPR) abandoned from Vernon to Okanagan Landing {{MP1|60}}
===1942===
===1942===
*Kootenay & Arrowhead (K&A) abandoned from Lardeau and Gerrard {{SKL|179}}
*Kootenay & Arrowhead (K&A) abandoned from Lardeau and Gerrard {{SKL|179}}
Line 223: Line 272:
===1951===
===1951===
*September 2 - first diesel locomotive on KVR {{MW|p=232}}
*September 2 - first diesel locomotive on KVR {{MW|p=232}}
===1955===
*GN abandons all west of Keremeos {{MP2|119}}
===1957===
===1957===
*Spur to Copper Mountain Granby mine was abandoned {{MW|p=236}}
*Spur to Copper Mountain Granby mine was abandoned {{MW|p=236}}
Line 240: Line 291:
*track at Hope ends just east of Station, abandoned earlier {{MW|p=64+}}
*track at Hope ends just east of Station, abandoned earlier {{MW|p=64+}}
==1970s==
==1970s==
===1970===
*CP reworks Colvalli and Cranbrook because of Koocanusa flooding means that Crowsnest connects at Fort Steele instead of Cranbrook {{MP2|23}}
===1972===
===1972===
*CPR barge and tug service on Okanagan Lake ended {{MW|p=247}}
*CPR barge and tug service on Okanagan Lake ended {{MW|p=247}}
*GN between Oroville and Keremeos severed by washout but not officially abandoned for many years (post-1984?) {{MP2|119}} [http://www.vanc.igs.net/~roughley/gn_fv_4.html]
*CPR's Fording River Subdivsion begins operation 55km north from Sparwood {{MP2|27}}
===1973===
===1973===
*May - train service suspended between Midway and Penticton {{MW|p=247}}
*May - train service suspended between Midway and Penticton {{MW|p=247}}
Line 254: Line 309:
===1980===
===1980===
*track between Merritt and Nicola (the Nicola spur) removed {{MW|p=261}}, {{MW|p=247}}
*track between Merritt and Nicola (the Nicola spur) removed {{MW|p=261}}, {{MW|p=247}}
===1983===
*BN abandons south of San Poil (ie to Republic) [http://home.earthlink.net/~pete80602/CORY/CORYhome.html]
===1988===
===1988===
*Merritt's station closed {{MW|p=261}}
*Merritt's station closed {{MW|p=261}}
Line 259: Line 316:
===1991===
===1991===
*track between Spences Bridge and Penticton pulled up {{MW|p=261}}, {{MW|p=248}}
*track between Spences Bridge and Penticton pulled up {{MW|p=261}}, {{MW|p=248}}
*track between Grand Forks and Castlegar abandoned [http://www.vanc.igs.net/~roughley/bnsf_other.html]
===1993===
*Grand Forks Railway formed by Pope & Talbot to operate 5km of track in Grand Forks using part of CP's Boundary Subdivision and Carson Spur to BN Railway [http://www.trainweb.org/rosters/GFR.html]
===1995===
===1995===
*Summerland tourist train starts operation {{MW|p=160+}}
*Summerland tourist train starts operation {{MW|p=160+}}
===1996===
*BN's Wenatchee to Oroville sold to shortline [http://home.earthlink.net/~pete80602/CORY/CORYhome.html]
===1998===
*CP leases S&O to Okanagan Valley Railway [http://www.cta-otc.gc.ca/rulings-decisions/decisions/1998/R/531-R-1998_e.html] [http://www.omnitrax.com/okan.shtml]
*BN sells N&FS from Columbia Gardens (between border and Fruitvale) and Parks to shortline [http://www.vanc.igs.net/~roughley/bnsf_other.html]
==2000s==
===2000===
*CN leases Okanagan lines to Kelowna Pacific Railway [http://www.cn.ca/news/newsreleases/2002/en_News20020625.shtml] [http://www.knighthawk.ca/Home/
===2004===
*Kettle Falls International (Omnitrax) takes over from BN on railways in Northeastern Washington State and BC, including the former N&FS (to Columbia Gardens), Kettle Falls to Grand Forks to Curlew and San Poil[http://www.omnitrax.com/kfr.shtml]
===2007===
*Kettle Falls International abandons from US border to Curlew (keeps from Kettle Falls to Grand Forks).
==Unknown==
==Unknown==
*1891? - GN builds into Crowsnest Pass, and to Phoenix mines {{MW|p=98}}
*1891? - GN builds into Crowsnest Pass, and to Phoenix mines {{MW|p=98}}

Latest revision as of 23:38, 28 January 2007

The railway events in this timeline are represented in this Railways in Southern British Columbia Map.

1880s

1883

  • CPR reaches British Columbia from the east by end of season
  • Northern Pacific completes mainline (via Sandpoint, Spokane) [Peter]

1884

  • CPR reaches Rogers Pass by end of season

1885

  • November, 7 - Last spike in Eagle Pass, November 7, 1885

1887

1888

1889

1890s

1890

1891

  • Spring - C&K completed to Nelson (McCulloch's Wonder, p24)
  • Silver found in Sandon Kaslo and Slocan Railway
  • Two railroads chartered to build to Nicola that both died. Nicola Valley Railway (backed by CPR) [Spences Bridge to Nicola] and Nicola, Kamloops & Similkameen Coal & Railway Company (indep.) [Kamloops to Nicola to Princton and Osoyoos] (McCulloch's Wonder, p88)
  • GN crosses into Canada for first time at New Westminster (McCulloch's Wonder, p146) but blocked from Vancouver by Fraser River
  • October 1 - Shuswap & Okanagan (S&O) - built from Sicamous to Vernon (Okanagan Landing) (CPR). (McCulloch's Wonder, p27) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 1, p60) [1]

1892

1893

1894

1895

1896

1897

1898

  • early - Corbin's smelter in Northport starts operation - serving Rossland via his Red Mountain Railway(Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p89)
  • February - Heinz sells Rossland, smelter, and half C&W to CPR (McCulloch's Wonder, p42)
  • March 19 - Corbin charters Kettle River Valley Railway in US to connect Boundary with his SF&N but denied Canadian portion (McCulloch's Wonder, p43)
  • June 15 - VV&E (Mann) agrees to build from Miday to Coast, CPR agrees to build from Kootenays only to Midway (McCulloch's Wonder, p47)
  • June 27 - VV&E starts construction at Penticton (McCulloch's Wonder, p47)
  • July 1 - Great Northern obtains control of Corbin's SF&N and Red Mountain Railway (McCulloch's Wonder, p44) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p89)
  • October 15 - Last spike on CPRs Crows Nest to Kootenay Landing railway built in just over year (McCulloch's Wonder, p44)
  • late - CPR works on C&W (McCulloch's Wonder, p48)
  • GN's Bedlington & Nelson Rly (CDN) and Kootenai Valley Railway (US) starts construction between Bonners Ferry (mainline) to border to Creston to Kuskonook (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p54) ([2] says complete to border by end of 1898)

1899

1900s

1900

  • early - CPR has track to Midway and Eholt (McCulloch's Wonder, p49)
  • January - CPR surveys from Midway to Hope (McCulloch's Wonder, p50)
  • May - Granby Consolidated Mining & Smelting Company opens first mine at Phoenix (McCulloch's Wonder, p65)
  • June - James Dunsmiur becomes BC premier (McCulloch's Wonder, p53)
  • August - Granby Consolidated opens smelter in Grand Forks (McCulloch's Wonder, p65)
  • December 13 - VV&E sold to Great Northern and CPR announces plan for Vancouver & Grand Forks (McCulloch's Wonder, p54)
  • CPR completes construction on BCSR to Kimberley (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p45)
  • GN's Bedlington & Nelson Railway completes route to Kuskonook (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p54) (started in 1898) with shared trackage between Wyndell (n. of Creston) to Sirdar Jct (at Kootenay Lake)

1901

  • March 28 - Dunsmiur announces subsidy award for Kootenay and coast railway (McCulloch's Wonder, p56)
  • May 11 - Midway & Vernon (M&V) (independent) receives provincial charter.(McCulloch's Wonder, p81) Subsidy increased in spring 1902 but no construction yet.
  • May 23 - Kettle River Valley Railway receives federal Charter and Republic & Kettle River (US) by Holland (McCulloch's Wonder, p68)
  • June - Great Northern gains complete control of VV&E (McCulloch's Wonder, p58)
  • July - GN starts construction on Washington & Great Northern (US) north up Kettle River to Canada from Marcus(WA). Also started building from GN mainline to Crowsnest area.(McCulloch's Wonder, p58)
  • July - BC Government commissions Edgar Dewdney to survey Hope Mountains for a railway route (McCulloch's Wonder, p59)
  • August 31 - Construction starts on Kettle River Valley Railway (McCulloch's Wonder, p68)
  • October 28 - KRVR-R&KR receives first locomotive (McCulloch's Wonder, p68)
  • GN builds Morrissey Creak Branch in Crowsnest from CPR track (short spur?) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p29)
  • Kootenay Central Railway (Windermere) chartered independently (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p38)

1902

  • January 2 - KRVR-R&KR reaches Curlew (McCulloch's Wonder, p69)
  • January - GN blocked from Grand Forks by KRVR
  • CPR builds from Nelson to Proctor (McCulloch's Wonder, p256)
  • April 12 - KRVR-R&KR completes Grand Forks to Republic (US) (McCulloch's Wonder, p73)
  • W&GN (GN) completes from Carson (Grand Forks) to Republic (McCulloch's Wonder, p74)
  • June - Dunsmuir charters Vancouver & Coast-Kootenay Railway for BC McLean brothers. (McCulloch's Wonder, p62)
  • June 9 - VV&E comples from Cascade to Carson (south of Grand Forks) (GN) (McCulloch's Wonder, p74)
  • November 9 - GN crosses KRVR tracks into Grand Forks, which KRVR blocks by parking locomotive across (McCulloch's Wonder, p64+)
  • November GN completed to Granby Smelter (at Grand Forks) [Peter]
  • Columbia River bridge completed at Robson [Peter]
  • CPR builds Kootenay and Arrowhead from Lardeau to Gerrard [Peter] (The Skyline Limited, p179)
  • late - Tracy Holland resigns as head of Kettle Valley (McCulloch's Wonder, p76)

Note: Kettle River Valley Railway (CDN) and Republic & Kettle River Railway (US) were merged into single entity called Kettle Valley Lines

  • GN builds Montana & Great Northern (US) from mainline at Jennings to border (via Rexford) and Crows Nest Southern (CDN) from border to Swinton (in Crossnest) and connected with Morrissey spur (from 1901) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p29)

1903

  • September - Vancouver & Coast-Kootenay Railway starts token construction (McCulloch's Wonder, p63)
  • October - Vancouver & Coast-Kootenay dies
  • William Hamilton Merritt revives charter for Nicola, Kamloops & Similkameen Coal & Railway Company (see 1891)

1904

  • January 1 - Midway & Vernon (independent) starts token construction at Vernon - one man with wheelbarrow to sustain charter(McCulloch's Wonder, p82) built 1/4 of mile over several years
  • GN reroutes mainline between Columbia Falls and Jennings via Rexford (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p29)
  • GN extends Crows Nest Southern through Fernie (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p29) (to Michel by 1908)
  • GN abandons section from CPR to Kuskonook (short!) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p54) officially abandoned in 1913.

1905

  • Corbin (backed by CP) announces Spokane International to Moyie Lake
  • June 20 - grading starts on Spences Bridge to Nicola railway NK&S (McCulloch's Wonder, p91)
  • July 5 - M&V starts construction from Midway end (under McLean brothers) (McCulloch's Wonder, p83)
  • November - M&V completes grading from Midway to Rock Creek (McCulloch's Wonder, p84) but did not get further. Officially disolved in 1927. (McCulloch's Wonder, p86)
  • November 12 - CPR leases NK&S from Mr. Merritt. CPR talks of connecting it to Midway. (McCulloch's Wonder, p90)
  • November 9 - CPR and GN clash just west of Midway over property rights (McCulloch's Wonder, p102)
  • GN builds from Curlew to Ferry, US (opposite Midway) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p108)

1906

  • CPR's Nicola Branch under construction (McCulloch's Wonder, p64+)
  • January 8 - NK&S starts laying track at Spences Bridge up Nicola
  • June 16 - Kettle Valley starts slowly building north from Grand Forks (McCulloch's Wonder, p77)
  • October 31 - NK&S approved between Spences Bridge and Coutlee (McCulloch's Wonder, p92)
  • GN operates VV&E from Midway to Molson (opposite Bridesville) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p108)

1907

1908

1909

1910s

1910

  • March 10 - Bill passed with subsidy to KVR for Midway to Nicola, under CPR sponsorship, and modify KVR charter to build through Coquihalla (McCulloch's Wonder, p122) also gave Midway&Vernon grade (Grand Forks to Rock Creek) to KVR (McCulloch's Wonder, p127)
  • May 10 - McCulloch appointed chief engineer of KVR (McCulloch's Wonder, p124)
  • July 9 - grading starts at Merritt towards Brookmere (Otter Summitt) (McCulloch's Wonder, p129)
  • October 4 - grading starts at Midway towards Rock Creek, fixing M&V grade (McCulloch's Wonder, p131)
  • December 17 - first track layed at Merritt by KVR (McCulloch's Wonder, p132)
  • February 21 - GN starts tunnel east of Princeton (McCulloch's Wonder, p148), also start building east from Abbotsford
  • end of year - GN to Tulameen (from Princeton) and Hope (from Abbotsford) (McCulloch's Wonder, p149) NOT - see 1911
  • Canadian Northern Pacific starts construction at Port Mann (Railway Mileposts: Vol 1, p85)
  • CPR leases Kootenay Central Railway (Windermere) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p39)
  • GN ceases operation of Kaslo & Slocan (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p54)

1911

  • February 8 - KVR tracks to Rock Creek from Midway (McCulloch's Wonder, p133)
  • May 22 - agreement between GN and Canadian Northern Pacific Railway to share trackage between Hope and Sumas (CNPR) (McCulloch's Wonder, p150)
  • July 1 - Construction starts on Kettle Valley Railway at Penticton(McCulloch's Wonder, p64+) purely ceremonial (McCulloch's Wonder, p137)
  • September 29 - KVR reaches Otter Summitt from Merritt (29.4miles) (McCulloch's Wonder, p136)
  • end of year - KVR 15 miles north of Rock Creek (McCulloch's Wonder, p136)
  • end of year - GN track to Coalmont (from Princeton) and only 5 miles from Abbotsford (McCulloch's Wonder, p150)
  • GN builds connection between Oroville and its mainline at Wenatchee (McCulloch's Wonder, p152)
  • CPR builds 42 miles south of Golden to Spillimacheen and 25 miles north from Colvalli to Fort Steele (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p39)

1912

1913

  • January - regulat trains from Midway to Carmi (McCulloch's Wonder, p171)
  • spring - Trout Creek Bridge near Summerland under construction (McCulloch's Wonder, p64+)
  • April 9 - KVR and GN agree on sharing Coquihalla Pass (McCulloch's Wonder, p160) built by KVR, trackage leased to GN for 999 years. KVR trackage between Otter Summitt and Princeton. Also CPR gets trackage between Midway and Curlew (to bypass Midway to Grand Forks) (McCulloch's Wonder, p161)
  • June 1 - KVR leased to CPR for 999 years. (McCulloch's Wonder, p171)
  • August - construction starts on Hope to Coquihalla Summitt (McCulloch's Wonder, p160) starting from Hope
  • August 26 - construction starts towards Coquihalla Summitt from 'the loops' (McCulloch's Wonder, p170)
  • October 25 - first train from Penticton over Trout Creek Bridge (McCulloch's Wonder, p170)
  • end of year - track between Penticton and Osprey Lake (40m) (McCulloch's Wonder, p170)
  • December - construction starts on Fraser River bridge at Hope (McCulloch's Wonder, p64+) (McCulloch's Wonder, p171)
  • December - track reaches Hydraulic (from Rock Creek) (McCulloch's Wonder, p171)
  • late - GN basically gives up on BC railroading, cutting back service, construction up Tulameen (McCulloch's Wonder, p161)
  • Canadian Northern Pacific completes track through canyon (just to Boston Bar?) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 1, p85)

1914

1915

1916

1919

1920s

1920

1921

  • GN abandon's Red Mountain line between Rossland and Northport (originally built in 1896 by Corbin) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p89)

1923

  • KVR builds spur to Skaha Lake from Penticton and from Okanagan Falls to Haynes with barge on Skaha Lake connecting (connected in 1931) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p117)

1925

1926

1930s

1931

1935

1936

1937

  • September 30 - GN abandons Princeton to Hedley
  • GN abandons Crows Nest Southern from border to Elko (Elko to Michel abandoned in 1926) (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p29)

1940s

1940

1942

1944

  • GN cancels tracksharing agreement with KVR through Coquihalla for large fee (McCulloch's Wonder, p223)
  • July - December - CPR builds from Oliver (end of track) to Osoyoos (McCulloch's Wonder, p231)

1945

1949

1950s

1951

1955

1957

1958

1959

1960s

1961

1962

1964

  • January 17 - last passenger train on KVR (McCulloch's Wonder, p245) - one year short of 50 years of operation

1967

1970s

1970

  • CP reworks Colvalli and Cranbrook because of Koocanusa flooding means that Crowsnest connects at Fort Steele instead of Cranbrook (Railway Mileposts: Vol 2, p23)

1972

1973

1977

1978

1979

1980s

1980

1983

  • BN abandons south of San Poil (ie to Republic) [6]

1988

1990s

1991

1993

  • Grand Forks Railway formed by Pope & Talbot to operate 5km of track in Grand Forks using part of CP's Boundary Subdivision and Carson Spur to BN Railway [8]

1995

1996

  • BN's Wenatchee to Oroville sold to shortline [9]

1998

  • CP leases S&O to Okanagan Valley Railway [10] [11]
  • BN sells N&FS from Columbia Gardens (between border and Fruitvale) and Parks to shortline [12]

2000s

2000

2004

  • Kettle Falls International (Omnitrax) takes over from BN on railways in Northeastern Washington State and BC, including the former N&FS (to Columbia Gardens), Kettle Falls to Grand Forks to Curlew and San Poil[14]

2007

  • Kettle Falls International abandons from US border to Curlew (keeps from Kettle Falls to Grand Forks).

Unknown