The Souris Valley Museum is appealing to the community for support as it strives to restore a historic ALCO locomotive, a key piece of the region’s mining heritage, to its original condition.

Melanie Memory, director of the Souris Valley Museum, explained that the locomotive is an important part of their heritage mining display as the locomotive was used to load coal on trains to be shipped out of the area. She added that it is also a highlight for tourists and school groups.  

The fundraising goal is set for $35,000, which will go towards repairs including sand blasting, repainting, and replacing the decals on the train display.  

The museum will be putting money into the $50,000 project and they are applying for grants. However, Memory added that not a lot of grant money is set aside for artifact restoration. 

The ALCO locomotive was built in 1944 and was purchased by Western Dominion Collieries in  Taylorton SK in 1946. The train was then transferred to Costello Mine in Bienfait in 1960 where it remained in service until 1993.  

In 2000 it was donated anonymously to the museum.  

Memory added that it is also an integral piece of heritage because a lot of people in the community may have a grandfather or great-grandfather who worked on the train.  

“We’re trying to keep that history alive because we do have information here at the museum about those people.”  

Community members interested in donating can e-transfer to info@sourisvalleymuseum.ca and add the line locomotive restoration in the info line or they can donate in person at the museum with cash, cheque, debit or credit.  

With the community's support, the museum can ensure that this vital piece of local history remains preserved and accessible for years to come.