Victoria, BC– The CRD Board voted to support the Island Corridor Foundation’s requests that the federal and provincial governments work together to equitably settle Indigenous claims within and along the island rail corridor, and to create a multi-disciplinary team, reflecting all affected interests, to advance rail as a transportation option on Vancouver Island.
“We need to have meaningful conversations with communities along the Island Rail Corridor about our shared future, “said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “We want to keep options open for growth and development while listening to and respecting interests of local First Nations.”
The Island Rail Corridor is an approximately 295 km rail corridor owned by the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). ICF is ultimately responsible for infrastructure maintenance and repair along the corridor to restore rail service on Vancouver Island.
In a presentation to the CRD Board, the Island Corridor Foundation requested support getting the federal and provincial governments in the same room, and for the province to establish a joint multi-disciplinary team.
The Snaw-naw-as Nation is seeking the segment of the corridor through their reserve to revert to the Nation as the corridor is no longer used for railway purposes. The BC Court of Appeal has given Canada until March 2023 to determine its intent for the corridor before the Nation can return to court to enforce its right of reversion. Land claim settlement is a senior government responsibility, and that work is crucial to any development process.
The CRD Board has consistently recognized the Island Rail Corridor as a key component of the regional transportation system. After Indigenous claims are settled, development of the corridor would entail more in-depth financial analysis working with regional districts, municipalities, and Nations in partnership with the provincial and federal governments.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492