Kinsol Trestle Rehabilitation CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

COWICHAN VALLEY, Save the Magnificent, Historic Kinsol Trestle By Jack Peake, Chair, Kinsol Trestle Capital Campaign

hen I was asked to Chair the Cowichan Foundation Construction of the Kinsol Trestle campaign to raise $2 million to save the spectacular started in 1911 when forestry had W gained some ground on Kinsol Trestle, I replied with an unhesitating, resounding YES. Island and a more efficient way to transport the region’s huge, old- There are so many compelling reasons why saving the Trestle growth timber was needed. The Trestle makes sense. I have made my gift to support rehabilitation of the was completed by Canadian National Trestle. I hope, after reading this information, you will join me Railways in 1920 as part of the and do the same. “Galloping Goose” rail line. Designed by engineers but built by local farmers and loggers, the History and Beauty Worth Saving Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest There aren’t many opportunities Too many times, unfortunately, we free-standing and most spectacular in a lifetime to make a difference witness the disappearance of our timber rail trestle structures in the for generations to come. Saving heritage and wish we had done more world. At 614 feet in length and the Trestle for its rich history is a to preserve it. This is our chance to standing 145 feet above the salmon powerful reason to support this avoid such a loss for our community. bearing Koksilah River, the campaign. I imagine school children Saving the Trestle means we will keep Kinsol is an incredible structure walking across the Trestle in the years that window into a bygone era open worth preserving. ahead. I can see them staring down for all to look through. at the Koksilah River through the The sheer beauty of the Trestle’s graceful curve and weathered beams If you aren’t familiar with the Trestle’s design and its incredible natural and being told of the industry, skills, background, here is a little bit of setting are reason enough to save it. audacity and sheer tenacity of those history to give you a sense of why Whenever I take visitors to see who built this engineering marvel in saving it matters to the region and to the Trestle they are amazed. The the wilderness. I also imagine myself Canada. At the end of the 19th Kinsol’s immense scale and elegance going back in time, travelling by century, the race was on to build prompt reactions of awe and steam-powered train across the Trestle railways so that lumber and minerals reverence in those who experience with the crews and passengers of a could be more easily shipped it, whether it’s their first visit or bygone era. nationally and internationally. their tenth.

Seeing the Trestle brings history to life in such a powerful way. The Trestle is one of the few accessible and The Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most visible reminders of the early mining spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 614 feet in length and and logging industries on Southern standing 145 feet above the salmon bearing Koksilah River, the Kinsol is an . incredible structure worth preserving. Create Jobs for Today and Tomorrow

Equally important to me is that So what are the long-term economic The Myra Canyon trestles and rehabilitating the Trestle will help benefits to the region? Tourism is the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the our economy. Supporting the Kinsol a growing industry in the Valley. Kelowna area are good examples rehabilitation is a positive way to Did you know that over 114,000 of why it makes sense to invest in invest short term in an infrastructure tourists visit the Cowichan Valley rail-trail experiences. Over 50,000 project and long term in our tourism annually? These tourists seek a variety people annually visit Kelowna and industry both of which support small of experiences such as agri-tourism surrounding area for the trail/trestle businesses in the region. (wine tours and farm stays), First experience on the Trans Canada Nations culture, heritage sites and Trail. The economic impact is in the The decade-long shift in the Island’s outdoor adventure, to say nothing of millions of dollars annually. economy that is still underway is well the scenery and natural environment documented. We have all seen the of our Cowichan Valley. The One of the most exciting economic impact. Who hasn’t been touched by Regional Economic Analysis study and recreational benefits of job losses in the fishing and forest (February 2009) from the Vancouver rehabilitating the Trestle is that it industries? The changes continue with Island Economic Alliance indicates will complete the “missing link” in mill closures and the loss of logging further growth potential in outdoor/ the section of the contractors reinforcing the need for all adventure, educational, culinary and between and the of us to get behind efforts to diversify cultural tourism for the Island and the Town of . our economy. Valley. Rehabilitating the Trestle will add another strong destination to the In the 19th and early 20th centuries, In the midst of the latest economic Valley’s diverse offerings. the transcontinental railroad downturn, the rehabilitation project connected all Canadian provinces. will produce 22 man years of As a railway enthusiast, I’m convinced Today, the 21,500-kilometre Trans employment for direct work, a little the uniqueness of the Kinsol and its Canada Trail route links every province over 6 man years for engineering/ heritage will attract railway enthusiasts and territory, from the Atlantic to project management and almost from around the world! the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. 15 man years in indirect work. We all know that there are further For many years the Kinsol Trestle has been a focal point of economic spin offs from infrastructure Cowichan Valley tourism. Stories of logging and steam train enthusiasts from around investment and I want to see those the world coming to see this imposing structure are legion. The completion of a missing benefits coming here to the Valley. link in the Trans Canada Trail will add not only to the Trestle’s tourism attraction but to its value as part of a recreational resource. – Rod Harris, President & CEO, Tourism British Columbia When completed, the Trans Canada Seven of the trestles have already Why is Rehabilitation Trail will be the world’s longest been rehabilitated or rebuilt and are recreational trail, connecting close in use as part of the trail. Needed? to 1,000 communities and over No trains have crossed the Trestle 33 million Canadians. The Kinsol The Kinsol Trestle is thus the since 1979 and it has been closed Trestle will be part of that national link. only missing link in the section of to foot passengers for decades. Last the Cowichan Valley Trail route. maintained and repaired over 30 years The development of the Trans Canada Successful completion of this capital ago, the Trestle has deteriorated to the Trail through the Cowichan Valley campaign and the rehabilitation of point where major rehabilitation is has been a priority for the Cowichan the Kinsol will allow bikers, hikers required. Valley Regional District (CVRD) to and equestrians to experience the full enhance tourism and recreation for Trans Canada Trail in the Cowichan If it isn’t repaired, the Trestle residents and visitors alike. Much of Region. Eventually this trail will must be dismantled to prevent the the trail route follows former railway connect to the Galloping Goose environmental impact and risk corridors of both Canadian National Trail in the Capital Region and the to public safety that would result and Canadian Pacific railways. The trail system. if the Trestle starts to collapse into 120-kilometre Cowichan Valley Trail the Koksilah River. The BC Ministry winds its way through spectacular Returning the Kinsol to its former of Transportation and Infrastructure, scenery in the Shawnigan Lake Valley, glory, combined with the connection owners of the Trestle, have determined Koksilah River and Cowichan River along the Trans Canada Trail, will that it must either be dismantled corridors. Kinsol is one of eight create a world-class recreation or effectively rehabilitated to a safe, trestles along the route and by far experience that will enhance the sustainable condition. the largest and most spectacular. Valley’s offerings for tourists.

How Will the Trestle be Fixed?

To find the best solution for environmental consultant to examine rehabilitation will ensure that the the Kinsol Trestle, the CVRD the Trestle. They determined that the historic characteristics – the span, commissioned a series of studies Trestle could be rehabilitated at a cost height and timbered design qualities over the past few years, listened to of $5.7 million. This rehabilitation – of this wonderful structure are what the community wanted, and option met many of the CVRD’s preserved as the original timbers get worked with the BC Ministry of objectives for increasing recreation, replaced due to age and deterioration; Transportation and Infrastructure. tourism and economic opportunities. not unlike the ongoing maintenance requirements of any active wooden During the last study in 2008, Design concepts and costings trestle serving a railway line. Commonwealth Historic Resource are complete. The rehabilitation work Management Limited, heritage will replace unsound timbers, Included in the rehabilitation project structure experts, brought a team reinforce eight structural piers and are landscaping improvements on together consisting of timber build a new 614-foot walkway atop both ends of the Trestle, a walkway construction experts, structural the structure for hikers, runners, going down into the Koksilah gorge engineers, quantity surveyors and an cyclists and equestrians. The from which the true visual impact of

Proposed Trestle Rehabilitation Schedule

Capital campaign June 2009 to December 2010

Detailed engineering July 2009 to October 2009

Timber & lumber assembly Fall 2009

Construction tendering Fall 2009

Construction Spring 2010 to Winter 2010/11 Trestle & trail open Early Summer 2011 Project Costs and Funding the Trestle will be appreciated, and j J information kiosks that will display The cost to rehabilitate the Kinsol Trestle is estimated to be $5.76 million. the proud story of the Trestle as well as the contributions of the donors Construction Costs Direct labour $ 1,117,000 who have made the project a reality. Supplies, equipment & services 1,324,800 Heavy timbers & lumber 654,100 One other important note is that the Subcontracts – truss & infrastructure 854,400 CVRD is planning to take possession Contractor fees 395,200 of the Trestle from the province once Contingency 652,100 the rehabilitation is complete. The Total Construction Costs $ 4,997,600 CVRD is committed to maintaining the Trestle in the years to come to Soft Costs keep it in shape and fully usable. Project management, design & engineering, permits, legal & insurance 760,000

Total Project Costs $ $5,757,600 Together We Can Funding of $4.1 Million has already been secured. The provincial Ministry Save the Trestle of Transportation and Infrastructure has earmarked $3.1 million in program I am excited to be working with a (LocalMotion) and departmental funding for the Kinsol Rehabilitation project. The CVRD has also received a commitment of $1 million from the great group of capable, community- Island Coastal Economic Trust. minded people who have joined me on the Kinsol Campaign Cabinet. Now, we are turning to our community to raise $2 million towards the They too believe that we must save rehabilitation of the Trestle. The $2 million will provide an additional the Trestle. $340,000 above project costs to be used to create an endowment to generate income for future repairs to the Trestle as well as cover some of the fundraising costs for the campaign. Together, we are asking you to donate to rehabilitate the historic Kinsol Trestle. Our donations will leverage substantial infrastructure dollars that will be invested in the community and used to hire local people to build a local project and host increasing numbers of visitors. Directions to North End of Kinsol Trestle From the Trans Canada Highway take Koksilah Road heading west. Your gift matters. Help save history Cross under the E&N Railway for generations to come and support tracks and cross over the Koksilah River Bridge. Immediately past the our Valley economy. bridge, take a left on Riverside Road. Follow this road (paved/gravel) for approximately 8.5 km. Parking is on Sincerely, the left in a designated area. It is a five-minute walk to the north end of the Trestle.

Directions to South End of Kinsol Trestle From Trans Canada Highway, take one of the roads to the Village of Kinsol Shawnigan Lake. Once there, follow Jack Peake Renfrew Road around the north end TrestlE of lake. Turn right onto Glen Eagles Road, then right onto Shelby Road. There is a small parking area on the left. Look for an old rail bed, now part of the Trans Canada Trail, and follow to the Trestle.

The Trestle is an important historical structure that illustrates by its scale and engineering the significant investment that the forest industry has contributed to this community. The story of the forest industry and how or why our communities have grown here are important to tell not only to our visitors but also to the residents of the Cowichan Region. – Roger Stanyer, President, BC Forest Museum Society Kinsol Trestle and Kinsol Historic Cowichan Valley History Timelines 1911 Canadian Northern Pacific Railway The Kinsol heritage illustrates the The Depression era of the 1930s saw (CNPR) begins 250-mile line through powerful draw of resource extraction the forest industry collapse, only to southern interior of Vancouver Island linking that consumed politicians and recover and thrive again for three to . corporations of a growing Canada more decades. During this time, 1918 Construction resumed by federal at the turn of the 20th century. The industry giants such as MacMillan government, who took control of Canadian railroad was key to the expansion of Bloedel, BC Forest Products and Northern Railway (and subsidiary, CNPR) in industry and wealth, especially in Rayonier absorbed smaller logging 1917. Downgraded to logging railway with the west. Fierce competition existed companies and acquired vast wood trestles, rather than steel bridges. between Canada and the United timberlands in the region. 1920 Construction of Trestle completed States, between railway companies by Canadian National Railways (CNR), and between industrious individuals The Kinsol Trestle was damaged by successor to CNPR. Featured high-level Howe to see who would be first to extract high waters in 1931. Repairs to the Truss. Officially named Koksilah River Trestle; the most lumber and minerals from Trestle forced the creation of a hybrid popular name Kinsol Trestle refers to nearby the richness of the Pacific Northwest. structure in 1934 that used large, King Solomon copper mine. old-growth Douglas-fir timbers for 1921 CNR ceased work, ending at south By 1890, numerous sawmills were eight parallel Howe Trusses resting end of Cowichan Lake, half its intended length. operating in the Cowichan Valley, on concrete piers. Several other major including the Chemainus sawmill, repairs were conducted over the 1922 Daily passenger and freight service one of the largest and most modern ensuing years. The last train crossed began on main line. mills on the Pacific coast at that time. the Trestle in 1979. 1925 CNR builds ‘Tidewater Subdivision’ The same year, the first commercial to Cowichan Bay and main line extended logging operations began near Rehabilitating the Trestle will save north to Youbou and Kissinger at head of Cowichan Lake. many of its historical, character- Lake Cowichan (completed 1928). Freight defining elements: mainly logs and sawn lumber. Railways were vital to the forest • The immense scale and complexity 1931 Koksilah River floods cause industry’s expansion, providing of wooden construction extensive damage to Trestle, which is efficient transportation for the region’s • Old-growth Douglas fir timbers repaired by CNR. huge, old-growth timber. By the mid-1880s the Esquimalt & Nanaimo • Techniques of timber trestle 1934-36 CNR repairs/rebuilds Trestle with low-level Howe Truss. railway came through Cowichan construction and in 1913 the Canadian Northern • The original barrel stands to 1950s Trucks begin to supplant railways Pacific Railway line was built to support water barrels for for hauling logs on Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake. The forest industry fire-fighting 1958 Major repairs to Trestle. boomed, becoming the leading sector • Unique numbers hand-chiselled of B.C.’s economy by the 1920s. into primary timbers 1973-74 CNR repairs Trestle for last time. • Inspection ladders The Kinsol Trestle was completed by 1979 Last train passes over Kinsol Trestle Canadian National Railways in on May 30. Trestle abandoned 1 year later. 1920 as part of the “Galloping 1984 Province of BC acquires CNR Goose” rail line. The engineering right-of-way, including Kinsol Trestle. technology used to build the Structural assessment and feasibility study Kinsol Trestle – the highest and for preservation and/or reuse undertaken. largest surviving timber trestle in Canada and reportedly one of the 1988 Fire burns portion of Trestle. four largest wooden structures in 1999-08 CVRD conducts several the world – is representative of how studies to see if Kinsol Trestle can be Canadian railways were built to saved and to measure the ecomonic impact traverse deep ravines. of the investment. In 2008, CVRD receives final report and decides to rehabilitate Kinsol Trestle. Cowichan Cowichan Foundation Will Lead Foundation the Kinsol Capital Campaign

When it was decided to raise the remaining $2 million needed University. Three of the bursaries to rehabilitate the Kinsol Trestle through a community are permanent, annual memorials campaign, the Cowichan Foundation stepped forward to lead in honour of Dennis Alphonse, Art Mann and Don Morton for this important initiative. their significant contributions to the Foundation’s Board and to the The Cowichan Foundation has a long Through the years, the Foundation community at large. Donations history of quietly making a difference has been the beneficiary of some have also been given to individuals in the Cowichan Valley Regional significant gifts. On a regular basis pursuing other career training who District (CVRD). most of the Foundation’s funds are would otherwise not be able to generated through small donations afford post-secondary education. Incorporated as a non-profit society from members of the community. Directors of the Cowichan in 1982, the Cowichan Foundation’s The Cowichan Foundation’s resources Foundation are all local citizens who purpose is to contribute to the social, have increased since its inception, are well attuned to the needs of the cultural and physical improvement of but they remain modest compared to Cowichan Valley community. communities in the CVRD. other community foundations. The Foundation maintains its federal The Foundation is the result of The Foundation gives 10 bursary registration so that all donors can one man’s vision for a long-term, awards each year to Cowichan Valley be given receipts that are eligible for community development fund. Mike students pursuing post-secondary income tax purposes. Coleman, a Duncan lawyer (and now education at Vancouver Island a Kinsol Campaign Cabinet member), approached other community minded and well connected citizens about The Foundation is running the Kinsol Trestle Capital starting a fund that would be available Campaign in conjunction with the Cowichan Valley Regional for community needs not covered by other funding sources. From District and Community Futures Cowichan. Community those conversations the Cowichan Futures is providing a physical home for the campaign office as Foundation was born. well as administrative services.

The amazing experience of travelling over the Kinsol Trestle, as part of the Trans Canada Trail, for residents, tourists and history buffs will no doubt be a significant contributor to our local economy. Once restored, the Trestle will become a major destination that will attract numerous visitors who spend money and use the services in many local businesses. It is the strength of the small business sector that supports rural economies. –Cathy Robertson, Manager, Community Futures Cowichan Make a Gift to Save the Kinsol Trestle

How to Give • Make a one-time gift by cheque, credit card or transfer of securities or other property. Make your cheque out to “Cowichan Foundation-Kinsol Trestle” • Make a pledge or a series of payments over several months or annually for up to five years

Bring Your Gift For More Information Kinsol Trestle to the Office If you have any questions about Campaign Please come by the Campaign Office making a donation to the Kinsol Cabinet Members and drop your gift off with Trestle Campaign through the Cowichan Foundation, please contact: Diane Myrden or Kim Martin. Mr. Jack Peake, Chair Kinsol Trestle Rehabilitation Our office is located at: Retired Diane Myrden or Kim Martin at CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Mr. Mike Coleman 135 Third Street (off Canada Avenue) 250-709-1087, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Lawyer / Partner, Coleman Fraser Duncan, BC V9L 1R9 Parcells Ms. Janet Docherty Donate by Mail Receipts Owner, Merridale Ciderworks Corp. Fill out a pledge card and send your A tax receipt will be issued by mail Mr. Ernie Elliott gift to the office address above. for all donations of $25 or more. To reduce administration costs, General Manager/CEO, Cowichan receipts for gifts under $25 will be Tribes Donate Online mailed only upon request. Please Mr. Richard B. Friedrich You can make a one-time or monthly note that credit card donations will Lawyer, Orchard & Company gift using our secure online donations be processed by Community Futures Mr. Dave Johel page at www.kinsol.ca. Cowichan and the tax receipt will be President, Johel Group issued by the Cowichan Foundation. Mr. Roger Painter Donate by Phone Forestry Consultant Credit card donations can be made by Donor Recognition calling 250-709-1087. We accept Visa Mr. Rollie Rose We are happy to recognize your gift Executive Director, BC Press Council or MasterCard. in a meaningful way. Please speak with a member of the Campaign Mr. Ross Tennant President & Partner, Three Point Cabinet or call us at the office to Make a Pledge Over Properties discuss recognition opportunities. Several Years Donors will be recognized at Mr. Daniel Varga Please fill out a pledge form and drop the Kinsol Trestle site once the Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns it off or mail it to the office address campaign has concluded, and many or e-mail to [email protected]. opportunities will be available during Your initial gift installment should the campaign itself. be included with the pledge. Pledge forms are available from Campaign Cabinet members, the office or online at www.kinsol.ca. Cowichan www.kinsol.ca Foundation COWICHAN VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA