Plans are to restore and relocate the Little House, home of Terrace’s founding father George Little, says the development authority’s executive director Brian Baker.

"We must preserve our history and find ways to make it an integral part of our future," he explained, adding that the anticipation is that the move will serve as a tourist draw and economic boost, specifically by attracting passengers from five cruise ships slated to dock in Prince Rupert.

"To relocate the house to its original location would be the most desirable end. This, however, is not possible, being that the Coast Inn of the West sits at that location now. In looking at alternatives, one way we thought this house could be a key player in the community was to convert it to a museum /Rail station.

"Because of Mr. Little being instrumental in bringing the rail to Terrace, we felt this was a natural fit. This building would preserve history and function as an active train station, rail being a vital part of historic and current Terrace."

In 1901, Terrace was a telegraph station on the Dominion Telegraph Line. In March of 1905, George Little, tired of the hustle and bustle of the Yukon Gold Rush, and anticipating the development of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, moved across the river from Kitsumkalum and purchased land in the region now known as Terrace.

With the help of his brother, Mr. Little built his dream house in 1914 and started a family. He donated land, Baker says, to the railway and a new station was established on the site of current-day Terrace instead of Kitsumkalum. George Little was also instrumental in designing the first community plan, Baker says, which is still relatively intact in the downtown area today.

Little’s original two-storey house is still in Terrace. Though it has gone through many owners, the house is in remarkably good condition. It does need some restoration work, but with the needed care, it can easily be returned to its original look, Baker says.

"This is a piece of the community that will help diversify the economy and add value and quality to the lives of citizens of Terrace.

"Tourism will be a major player in the future of this region and this project is very important for that future. It will be the catalyst in future development around the rail station, development that will compliment the downtown core of Terrace."

"Terrace’s Official Community Plan has been changed so that downtown development, whether it be retail or service oriented, will meet a certain architectural code, thereby creating an ‘Old Terrace.’ "