“If you remember Expo 86, that was Grace McCarthy. If you remember the name SkyTrain, that was Grace McCarthy.” – Norman Stowe

It is with great sadness and fond memories that we bid adieu to a visionary woman who, for decades, helped shape and grow the province and our region. Grace McCarthy has passed away at 89.

Before SkyTrain was SkyTrain, there was Grace McCarthy.

Under the leadership of B.C. premier Bill Bennett, McCarthy was appointed deputy premier and the minister responsible for BC Transit.

A tireless and optimistic leader in British Columbia with the Social Credit Party, McCarthy’s efforts helped bring Expo ’86 to Vancouver and she oversaw construction (and the naming!) of our beloved SkyTrain.

When asked about the impact of SkyTrain on this region, McCarthy said, “It transformed the way we travel throughout the region and made this great area one of the very best to live in.”

McCarthy received the Order of Canada in 1992 and the Order of B.C. in 2004.

Amazing Grace, thank you for being our SkyTrain champion and an inspiring leader. Your legacy will always live on in Metro Vancouver and British Columbia.

Read more about Grace McCarthy’s life and achievements including SkyTrain.

Author: Adrienne Coling