'We're not taking any chances': Stanley Park Train comes to a halt due to concerns over dangerous fumes

The immensely popular Stanley Park Train has been shut down indefinitely after a worker experienced health problems Friday night.

The park board says the train operator was taken to hospital Friday night and is now recovering at home.

“We did have one of our train operators experiencing a little bit of dizziness and nausea after operating the train,” said Steve Jackson, general manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Jackson says fumes from the exhaust have caused discomfort for staff before and the board is taking the matter very seriously.

“We’re not taking any chances on this one, so we’re going to cease all operations until we have more information,” said Jackson.

The Stanley Park Train is located inside the Bright Nights event, which local firefighters run to raise money for the Burn Fund.

“That will undeniably have a financial impact on our fundraising capacity here at the Burn Fund,” said Jeff Sauve, the charity’s executive director.

Thirteen percent of ticket sales for the sold-out train go toward the Burn Fund, and so far nearly 10,000 tickets have been refunded.

Sauve urges people to still come out to the by-donation event and enjoy the food trucks and vast displays featuring more than three million lights.

“There will be professional firefighters there at the gate to welcome you, give you a candy cane, and you and your family can walk around and enjoy the beautiful light display,” said Sauve.

Jackson says crews are working hard to fix the issue before the event wraps up on Jan. 4.

“If we can find a way to manufacture something and have those exhaust fumes dissipate somewhere else and away from operators and not cause that sort of risk to them, then we may be able to operate again,” said Jackson.

The train causing the most issues is believed to be from the early 1960s. The other train which Jackson says its fumes have also caused discomfort is believed to be 50 years old.