(Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Wheatland Express

Wheatland Express Excursion Train feeling effects of COVID-19 pandemic

Aug 18, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on businesses including those in the tourism industry.

The Wheatland Express Excursion train that runs between Wakaw and Cudworth has postponed all of their summer excursions.

Director of Marketing and Operations Ashlyn Weninger called the effects of COVID devastating.

“The majority of our revenue comes in the summer season and we have had to refund that back and so it is 100 per cent losses this year,” Weninger said.

When March hit and uncertainty surrounded the summer months, all summer excursions were postponed tentatively. After assessing month by month, ultimately all excursions were postponed indefinitely to comply with health regulations set out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

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“We re-booked our performance dates for 2021 and we are going to see what happens,” Weninger said.

While shut down, Weninger said they welcomed two new railcars from the United States which they are refurbishing in an effort to run year-round. The new cars will replace some other cars in an effort to operate year-round going forward.

The Wheatland Express welcomed a new railcar from the United States to their flight. (Submitted photo/Ashlyn Weninger)

The Halloween and Christmas excursions would be able to return with the addition of the new cars which the express hosted in their first year in 2018.

“We have removed all hardware and seats and putting down new sub-floor, some of the cars will have exterior work completed this week,” Weninger said.

(Submitted photo/Ashlyn Weninger)

Staff is looking at ways they can offer private tours and as soon as it is safe to do so, will re-open to the public. A western town is also being developed along the rail near the Cudworth Heritage Museum.

“We are looking at new ways to innovate and offer new experiences,” Weninger said.

The Wheatland Express seasonal staff was unable to return to work and Weninger said full-time staff couldn’t carry on either.

Weninger is remaining hopeful throughout this time of so much uncertainty.

“Even if we aren’t travelling internationally, we think there is a lot of promise and exciting things for people to do in their own back yard right here in Saskatchewan,” Weninger said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser