There is a new addition to Moose Jaw this week, as the new trolley pulled up to the Visitor's Centre at high noon on Wednesday, June 21st.
After its final mechanical inspection, decaling, and other finishing touches, the new trolley is now in service, replacing the aged former trolley that was facing numerous mechanical and technical issues.
This new trolley features air conditioning, better heating, greater fuel economy, and offers a quieter, smoother ride. Although this trolley is not completely new, it is in a far better state than the one it replaced.
Additionally, the replacement trolley is now wheelchair accessible with a lift and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs.
As the new trolley rolled up, Jacki L'Heureux, executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw, made a brief announcement to those in attendance.
“I would like to recognize Mayor Tolley and [Moose Jaw North] MLA Tim McLeod for attending, as well as some of our members of the media, and other very special guests.
“This board has been just unbelievably supportive of this whole endeavour, as well as my staff who… I don’t think I’ve seen… this excited.”
She also thanked all those who offered financial, mechanical, and other support to make this possible.
“This has been a very long journey to get here,” she added.
Mayor Clive Tolley also made a few remarks: “I’ll say thank you to the board for all the work you’ve done to make this happen. You’ve talked about the length of time it has taken. You’ve had patience, perseverance, stick-to-itiveness… and it’s a reality today. So, thank you to the board and to (L'Heureux) for all the work you’ve put in.”
“We were supposed to have a brand-new trolley, but unfortunately Transport Canada was not able to approve the only manufacturer in the States who could bring it in. So, the people we were working with in the States were able to find one… You may be surprised; trolleys do not grow on trees. We were fortunate to find the one that we did… and hoping for the possibility that we may still find a brand new one,” explained L'Heureux in her address.
L'Heureux christened the new trolley by opening a traditional bottle of champagne. “I christen you 'The Spirit of Moose Jaw',” she exclaimed.
After the formal christening, the board members at Tourism Moose Jaw raised a toast to the long-anticipated successful outcome of their efforts.
Moose Jaw’s new trolley then debarked on its first voyage at 12:15 p.m. With the Tourism board members, press, and Moose Jaw’s mayor Clive Tolley aboard, it briefly toured Main Street and swung back to the Visitor's Centre on Diefenbaker Drive.
The first ride proved that the new trolley was a much-needed improvement: it rode smoother, was quieter, and now features air conditioning.
Lynette Biech, the tour guide from the old trolley, now continues her narration aboard the updated vehicle and guided the first journey.
“She (Biech) loves the old trolley; this one she is going to love (even more because of) the air conditioning,” said L'Heureux.
“I’m very happy for the air. Very much! I’ve spent a lot of hot days in the old one,” Biech chuckled.
And this upgrade is well deserved. “We have the best tour guide that has ever existed in her,” L'Heureux said regarding Biech.
The standard tours offered by the old trolley now carry over to the new trolley without interruption.
These available tours include day and evening, ghost, true crime, and walking tours. The trolley will still take you to downtown walking tours, and likewise to the cemetery walking tour.
Tourism provides the first glimpse that a lot of travellers and new residents get of Moose Jaw and helps provide a first impression of the community. Now, thanks to the new trolley, Moose Jaw can improve on this first impression given to new visitors.
This new trolley is something that everyone in the community can be proud of.
“I knew Moose Jaw loved their trolley — I knew that! For the last few days people have been sharing some of the pictures that were out there. It’s not our trolley (for Tourism Moose Jaw); it is our trolley (for all of Moose Jaw),” said L'Heureux.
