The Sullivan Mine and Railway Historical Society held its Annual General Meeting on November 16, 2010 and President Mick Henningson was able to report another good year for the tourist attraction.

"I am pleased to report that we had a relatively good year despite the present turndown in our economy," Henningson said.

Riders were up to just a hair under 10,000 with 9,956 people taking the train in the 2010 season.

The Powerhouse tour, with discussions of Sullivan Mine history, reclamation, and the viewing of the Mine Model, was a great addition to the attraction, Henningson said.

The SMRHS instituted a fair increase this year, which included the HST. Henningson says that even increased to $18 for an adult the train ride, underground experience and powerhouse tour were deemed a great value by most riders.

New this year, a Sunday morning kids train was provided.

These train trips, designed for youngsters, perhaps with short attention spans, consisted of the full train ride with a shortened "action tour" underground.

The SM&R is inspected by the B.C. Safety Authority and is liable to the same inspections as any standard gauge Canada-wide rail operation. Teck Resources also keeps a close eye on operations.

"As President of the Society, I am glad that we are being so thoroughly checked by external sources. The riders we carry are precious cargo, and we must also ensure the safety of paid staff and volunteers," Henningson said.

Henningson paid tribute to the many volunteers who keep the railway running, from Sever Rondestvedt in charge of rolling stock, to Des McKay with landscaping to Clarence Uhll, who plays the accordion daily. He also acknowledged three Board members, Dan Jarrett, Vice President; Esther Jacobson, Secretary; and Sharon Henry, Public Relations Director, who were integral to making things run smoothly.

The SM&R has a big project lined up for 2011; bringing the train up to the new conference centre.

The plan is to put in a turnaround loop and a permanent railway station.

"This new station will be similar to our timber frame structure at the Powerhouse, and will also serve as a visitor covered rest area throughout the year. We are very close to having all of the necessary funding in place for this project and hope to make a formal announcement before the end of this year," Henningson said.

Despite the success so far, mounting costs are a concern, he said.

"Our biggest concern at present is that costs have been rising faster than our revenues. As our Treasurer, Lorne Boates has pointed out, we are now in a position where we need to think about increased revenues and reduced costs for next year's operations. One way to reduce costs is to try to increase our volunteer base in general, and to try to do a little more of our rail staffing with volunteers. Increased revenue may be a combination of modest fare increases along with increased ridership arising out of the completion of the Resort/Conference Centre loop. Our goal is still to be a major and unique, educational attraction, at the lowest possible cost.

"In closing, I thank all of our volunteers and staff for their contributions towards making 2010 another successful year.

"I would also like to thank all of the media, especially the Kimberley Daily Bulletin, for the continuing positive support. And our thanks to the Community as a whole and all of the organizations in this City, either for sending visitors in our direction or helping in some way. We certainly try to act as a seasonal secondary tourist information centre and promote all community businesses as well."