Rail tourism group gutted after damage caused by copper wire thieves

By Leslie Cholowsky, Editor, The Community Press

The Friends of the Battle River Rail in Forestburg made an unpleasant discovery, finding that thieves had broken into to their train and stripped out the copper wiring leading from the Genset to both the caboose and passenger car.

“Without this power, we are unable to provide heat, light, or sound in these cars,” the organization said in a statement on their social media.

There was a train ride scheduled to the Jolly Jingles Christmas Market in Rosalind that had to be cancelled, on Nov. 15, thanks to the damage caused by the thieves.

Bernadette Logozar, communications agent for the Friends organization says the damage has been estimated at $30,000.

“And I’ve been told that what was stolen might have netted the thieves a couple of hundred dollars. This has sure made me doubt my fellow man.”

Logozar says that the response from their guests has been outstandingly positive.

“They have been very understanding, and upset that this happened to us.”

Besides cancelling the Nov. 15, one immediate challenge facing the group was their next excursions, planned for Nov. 29 and 30.

Logozar says it’s been great to have Battle River Railway NGC (BRR) step up and take the lead on getting them back running, looking for both short- and long-term solutions.

At present, with the work of BRR getting them access to generators and heat, and the Imagination Theatre players who put on the murder mystery performance for both nights, they are almost certain they will still be able to hold the two dates, but instead of a train ride, the play will be performed while the train is at the Forestburg station.

“Some people have cancelled, because they really wanted a train ride experience, and we totally understand that,” Logozar says. But others have said they will be coming anyway, or have asked to exchange their tickets for a future ride rather than ask for a refund.

“And everyone who did ask for a refund assured us they will be back when we are back up and running,” she adds.

Logozar says the theft will have an extremely detrimental effect to the Friends’ immediate future, and what they will do going forward.

For now, an adjuster has come out, but they don’t have any information on what, if anything, will be covered by insurance.

“It’s not just the damage, but a tremendous amount of work dealing with the aftermath,” she says. “I like work, but I definitely prefer something more positive.”

Long term, she says, this will also affect many other community organizations who count on the train bringing visitors to their community or their businesses.

“I’ve been so impressed, however. BRR and our volunteers have stepped up generously with their time and energy at this uncertain time.

“We’ve had donations of time and generators, even.

“And the fact that our guests are sticking with us is so heartening.

“My faith in my fellow man has been restored.”

Anyone having tickets on upcoming excursions who has not had an opportunity to connect with the Friends can call 780-781-9260.

READ THIS AND MUCH MORE IN THE NOVEMBER 19 EDITION OF THE COMMUNITY PRESS!