THUNDER BAY — Just a few hours after it resumed operation after its latest lengthy shutdown, the Muskeg Express amusement ride at Centennial Park was out of commission again.
No one was hurt when the popular ride derailed on Saturday afternoon.
Families were left disappointed after lining up to take the tour through the forest adjoining the Current River.
City parks supervisor Werner Schwar said Monday morning that the cause of the derailment is unknown.
However, late Monday afternoon the city issued a statement attributing it to "a problem with the tracks."
Schwar noted that the city spent about $50,000 in recent years to meet safety requirements.
"We did quite a bit of expensive repairs in the past few years. It passed inspection and everything, and then the same thing happened. We're a bit puzzled as to why."
The train was out of service in 2017 after deficiencies were found in the track.
A railway maintenance contractor was hired to ensure the rails were properly aligned, make corrections and replace some rail ties.
However, in August 2018 the ride was shut down again after the locomotive derailed twice during only three weeks of operation.
Besides reducing the speed of the train, the connecting link between the engine and the passenger car was changed, and work was done on the wheels.
In 2020, the attraction was out of service because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the improvements that were made resulted in the issuing of a safety certification by the province's Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
Schwar said an engineering firm that has worked on the train in the past will take another look at the train this week.
City councillor Andrew Foulds (Current River) is among the councillors who have supported the retention of the Muskeg Express in recent years.
He expressed disappointment in the latest setback, saying the train "matters to people."
Foulds said he understands it operated smoothly during test runs last week.
He said the safety of riders is paramount, however, and it might be necessary for the TSSA to look at the train again.
"I would say the level of frustration is high. I can say I'm disappointed. We have to re-engage TSSA and seek out their advice. Maybe there's a simple fix."
The Muskeg Express first began operating more than 50 years ago.
This summer, it had been scheduled to run with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, Wednesday through Sunday until Sept. 5, 2021.
When the train is operating, admission is free for children five years old and under, $1 for children ages 6 to 12, and $2.50 for anyone older than 12.
The city says it will make a public announcement when the ride reopens.
NOTE: This story has been updated to include some additional details provided late Monday by the City of Thunder Bay
