A new permanent exhibit about Interurban rail travel and how it changed the lives of Richmond residents will be unveiled on Family Day weekend, February 17 to 20. This exhibit completes the Steveston Tram experience, home to the beautifully restored Tram Car 1220, Richmond’s largest artefact. 

“It is exciting to help people understand how important Interurban travel was in the development of Richmond,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “These displays will bring joy to the hearts of those young and old who have a love of riding the rails, while connecting them to Richmond’s past.”

The new displays include an interactive tramline map and timeline of the Interurban tram system in Steveston, story vignettes of the people who rode the tram, and a photo display recognizing the work of those who helped restore the tram back to its original state. Many elements of the exhibit are hands-on and designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests.

Part of the exhibit is the premier of Steveston Tram: A Love Story – a new video from the Richmond Stories video series. Viewers will get a glimpse into the lives of the many diverse people who rode Tram Car 1220 for work and pleasure, including the charming, real-life love story between a tram worker and a regular Steveston rider. The video will also be available for viewing online on the City of Richmond’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cityofrichmondbc). 

For younger visitors, free crafts and activities will be available throughout the Family Day weekend, including the return of the Jr. Conductor program, where kids receive a punch card to record their visits and earn prizes. 

The Steveston Tram is located at 4011 Moncton Street. Winter hours are Tuesdays to Sundays, noon to 4pm, with a special opening from noon to 4pm on Monday, February 20 for Family Day. Admission is free. For more information, call 604-238-8081 or visit stevestontram.ca.