When the kids in his neighbourhood are getting a little restless, Russ Heggie takes them for a ride around the block.
A ride on his train, that is.
The White Rock resident and Fleetwood Park Secondary teacher – who also moonlights with event-planning company BC Event Makers – has a miniature electrical train that he frequently takes to community events in the Fraser Valley, but on his days off, the train whistle can still be heard on Goggs Avenue.
“Sometimes I’ll take it for a ride around the block so the parents can get the kids out of their hair,” Heggie said.
Heggie’s neighbour, Donna Passmore, told Peace Arch News the kids on the street go crazy for the train.
“(The) kids run outside when they hear it just like we ran outside in my childhood when we heard the ice cream truck music,” she said.
However, his route in White Rock may be restricted to Goggs Avenue for now, as the White Rock Farmers Market is on private property and the city won’t allow Heggie to run his train adjacent to the market.
“We were hoping to get out there and have the rides for the kids, but they won’t let us unfortunately,” he said.
Heggie and his wife – who is also a teacher – became involved with BC Event Makers through a friend in order to earn extra income and help pay off their mortgage.
Heggie has taken the train to a number of events in Langley and North Surrey, including farmers markets and Canada Day celebrations.
For more information, email russheggie@gmail.com