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heritage Railways and Firehalls: by Shirley Sutherland Bringing the Past to Life during North Shore Heritage Week January 1. 1914, at 10 am, the first passenger train of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (also the first passenger train ever to run on the north shore of Burrard Inlet) steamed from North Vancouver to Dundarave. One hundred and fifty passengers were on board to participate in this 16-minute inaugural trip that took them through the Squamish Reserve and over the Capilano River. Residents lined the side of the tracks and cheered as the train sped by. West Vancouver's exceptional beaches, forests, and outdoor communities would now be readily accessible to commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. In the early morning hours of Tuesday. June 10, 1997, Lower Lonsdale witnessed the return of a rare reminder of those early days of rail. Once the departure point for the PGE line, the Pacific Great Eastern station was returned to the foot of Lonsdale Avenue. It now rests just a few feet from its original site and is in close proximity to the ferry and streetcar operations that had once made the area a vibrant transportation centre. The move and restoration of this heritage station was supported by the North Vancouver Kiwanis Foundation and Club, B C Rail, B C Heritage Trust, and the City of North Vancouver. On Saturday. September 20, at 1 pm. the PGE station will re-open to the public. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors will be invited inside to explore the building and to view a photographic display by Mary LaFreniere about the restoration of St. Paul's Church. North Vancouver Museum staff will also be on hand to record any memories that seniors may have of the station building and of the early days of rail. This event is but one of a host of activities planned for the 1997 Q North Shore Heritage Weekend. In addition to celebrating our railway history, the skill and bravery of North Shore firefighters and other unique aspects of the North Shore's past will be presented. The kick-off for the three day program is a presentation at the West Vancouver Municipal Hall on Friday. September 19, at 7:30 pm. Our municipal planners will discuss a little-known aspect of North Shore heritage. Innovative architectural design thrived here from the 1940s through to the 1970s. This period of rapid growth and design experimentation will also be explored in a week-long photographic display at the District of North Vancouver's municipal hall. The fire and rescue departments of the North Shore will be alive with activity throughout the weekend. On Saturday, all the North Vancouver firehalls will be open and presenting a variety of demonstrations. At Mount Royal Hall, people will see how accident victims are removed from car wrecks, and at Norgate, firefighters will explain how accidents with hazardous materials are handled. High-angle rescue will be demonstrated at Lynn Valley Hall and behind the scenes tours will be available at Lvnnmour Hall. A l l of West Vancouver's firehalls will also be open for inspection on Sunday and an "alarmingly" good time is promised for all! As well, both museums will have special displays and activities for firefighters and would-be firefighters of every age to enjoy. There will also be lots for those who like to combine their heritage interests with outdoor adventure. Logging history will be explored in Lynn Valley, as will the heritage houses of Tempe Heights and the commercial buildings of Lower Lonsdale. Complete schedules for the North Shore Heritage Weekend will be available at all North Shore museums, libraries, and municipal halls after Labour Day weekend. A l l events are free, but pre-registration is recommended, sc North Shore Heritage September 987-5618 for more Week runs from phone information. PGE Station is moved back to its original location at the foot of Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver Museum & Archives. 20 to 28. Please Shirley Sutherland education Museum & is the curator of Vancouver at the North Archives.