New Westminster, BC –TransLink’s Millennium Line Evergreen Extension will open to the public at noon on December 2, 2016. To mark this exciting day, we are inviting members of the public to ride the train through the new stations and participate in community celebrations. A virtual scavenger hunt, live entertainment, kid’s activities, games, food and festive cheer will all be offered throughout the day.

“The opening of the Evergreen Extension is a significant milestone for this region,” said Kevin Desmond, CEO of TransLink. “The new 11-km extension to the Millennium Line opens up new transportation choices for Tri-City region residents and will help reduce road congestion and foster economic growth for the community. It’s important that we celebrate this important day with the community. I hope that people will come out, ride the train and have some fun.”

The first train rides on the Evergreen Extension start at 12 p.m. The celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Coquitlam Central Station and from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at other Evergreen Extension stations.

“We are thrilled that the Evergreen extension is opening on December 2. Having rapid transit in our community opens up significant transit opportunities to help reduce traffic and for businesses to attract new customers from across the region,” said Mayor Mike Clay, City of Port Moody. “The introduction of the Evergreen extension into Port Moody is the most significant transit infrastructure improvement to be made in our community in decades.”

“The residents of Coquitlam are really excited for opening day and all the celebrations this milestone brings,” said Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam. “We eagerly watched the construction take place and now rapid transit has arrived – this will make our community and the region so much more accessible to all of our residents.”

More than 14 community organizations will be offering activities or performing at the celebration, including: LEGO-building station, ukulele lessons, and kids’ crafts. A stage at Coquitlam Central Station will host a variety of talented community music groups to entertain all ages. Rumour has it, even Santa could be stopping by in the early evening at Coquitlam Central Station.

“To mark the historic opening of the Evergreen Extension, the Government of British Columbia along with our project partners welcomes families, friends and community members to participate in festivities and explore the region’s new SkyTrain stations in the Tri-Cities,” said Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink. “The celebration of this milestone reflects the province’s commitment to providing the region with new opportunities for quick, efficient and sustainable methods of travel, supporting our efforts to create liveable communities.”

Although most of the community celebration activities will be located just outside the new Coquitlam Central Station, customers are encouraged to explore activities from Lougheed to Lafarge Lake-Douglas stations. 

“We can’t wait to celebrate the much-anticipated Evergreen Extension opening on Friday,” said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer. “This is a vital addition to our community as it connects families and businesses here to the rest of Metro Vancouver, while greatly reducing commute times and supporting economic growth in the region.”

“I am immensely proud of the project team, our partners and all our staff across the enterprise who have worked tirelessly to see this project through,” added Desmond. “We now have the longest, driverless, automated rapid-transit system in the world. I am looking forward to seeing everyone on opening day. Come experience the new Evergreen Extension first-hand.”

The following are a list of the confirmed community organizations and businesses that are contributing to the Community Celebration:

• Coquitlam Centre
• Coquitlam Express Junior Hockey Club
• The Coquitlam Heritage Society
• Coquitlam Public Library
• Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instruments Enthusiasts Circle
• Evergreen Cultural Centre
• HUB Cycling
• ICBC
• Lougheed Town Centre
• Save on Foods – Pinetree Store and Cameron Store
• Port Moody Heritage Society
• SHARE Family & Community Services
• The Transit Museum Society of Vancouver
• Bricks 4 Kidz

The current program is attached and new details of the day’s program will be made available at www.translink.ca/evergreen and through TransLink’s social media channels.  

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