Maple Ridge, B.C., January 28, 2026 – Due to its heavily deteriorated condition, Council approved a request last fall from the Dewdney Alouette Railway Society (DARS) and the Maple Ridge Historical Society for the removal and disposal of the CP Rail Caboose, currently located at Jim Hadgkiss Park (site of the Maple Ridge Museum).
A contractor has been hired to safely abate hazardous materials, dismantle, and remove the caboose starting this week.
Background
Built in Montreal in 1944, Caboose 437115 was constructed from wooden slats due to wartime metal shortages. In 1991 members of DARS campaigned to have the retired caboose added to Jim Hadgkiss Park to enhance their railway diorama in the lower level of the Maple Ridge Museum. Through extensive volunteer efforts, the deteriorating caboose was restored to its original wartime appearance.
Over more than three decades, the Maple Ridge Historical Society and DARS maintained the caboose and offered public access and tours.
As with all wooden railcars that deteriorate over time, repair needs eventually exceeded volunteer capacity. Since 2020 the caboose has been closed to the public due to its deteriorated condition and has also been susceptible to vandalism and theft.
Future Plans for Jim Hadgkiss Park
In collaboration with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners' Association (VJGA), the City will be building a Japanese Garden in Jim Hadgkiss Park near the Maple Ridge Museum to commemorate the legacy of early Japanese Canadians in Maple Ridge. Funding for this project has been provided by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS). To learn more, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/JapaneseGarden.
Learn more about our local parks and recreation opportunities at MapleRidge.ca/Parks.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E media@MapleRidge.ca