Vancouver Island railway study funded

Vancouver Island railway study funded CANADA: Pacific Economic Development Canada is to provide C$500 000 to enable the Island Corridor Foundation to conduct feasibility and technical studies for the potential introduction of light rail services between Victoria West and Langford on Vancouver Island. The ICF non-profit partnership between First Nations and local authorities owns the 234 km former Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway corridor between Victoria and Courtenay. Passenger trains last ran 2011, however there is still some freight activity in the Nanaimo area, and basic maintenance of the corridor continues. ICF is working with the Indigenous-led Reconciliation Corridor Initiative and local governments to explore the future of the corridor and the possible reintroduction of passenger services around Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. The Capital Regional District is also investing C$523 100 in the feasibility study, which will include corridor planning, land use analysis and engagement with local communities to identify potential economic opportunities and inform future decisions about passenger services. The project could require a realignment of the corridor to avoid a residential area on Esquimalt Nation’s reserve lands, and the remediation and return of that land to the Nation. Turning vision into reality ‘Passenger rail has the potential to give residents a reliable way to move between the West Shore and Victoria while strengthening our regional economy and making better use of an existing transportation corridor’, said Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria, on September 16. ‘This investment will support the feasibility and technical work needed to move towards a new era of transportation and growth’. ICF said its first federal funding is ‘a historic moment’ and ‘will bring us closer to completing a business case for the potential of light rail transit in the CRD — one that reflects today’s conditions, opportunities, and challenges.’ It said the population of Colwood and Langford has increased by 72% since a previous study. Secretary of State (Seniors) Stephanie McLean said ‘with growing public support for passenger rail and urgent transportation challenges from the West Shore to Victoria, federal engagement in this planning process is critical to turning that vision into reality.’ See also Subscribe to gain access to all news Already have a subscription? Log in. Choose your subscription Considering a corporate subscription? Contact us to find out more.