A refurbished Stop of Interest sign was unveiled near Fort Fraser today, recognizing the Grand Trunk Pacific railroad.

“This Stop of Interest sign recognizes the importance of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the development of Central British Columbia,” said MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “Our province has a rich history, and these Stop of Interest signs show our commitment to preserving stories from the past, celebrating the communities of today and leaving a legacy for the future.”

This sign has been refurbished and repainted, and is located in Fort Fraser, 37 kilometres west of Vanderhoof.

The last spike in Canada's second trans-continental railroad was driven near this site on April 7, 1914, but financial problems plagued the company, forcing it in 1923 to amalgamate with the expanding Canadian National Railway system.

B.C.’s Stop of Interest signs were first established in 1958 to commemorate the Colony of B.C.’s centenary and recognize significant historical places, people and events. The ministry is refurbishing existing signs in need of repair and updating language where necessary.

In addition to the 164 Stop of Interest signs located around B.C., the Province is adding up to 75 new Stops of Interest. British Columbians are invited to submit ideas for new Stop of Interest signs and share the interesting stories that could be told to people travelling B.C.’s highways. Submissions will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2017.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will install the majority of the new Stop of Interest signs in summer 2017.

Learn more:

Provide your suggestion for a new Stop of Interest sign at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/stopsofinterest/

Locations of existing Stops of Interest are available on the engagement site at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/stopsofinterest/map/ and are also available as a data set on Open Data BC at: www.data.gov.bc.ca