Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD), on behalf of other Vancouver Island regional districts, released a letter calling on the federal government to commit to protecting the Island Rail Corridor, a 295km rail corridor that spans Vancouver Island. At the request of the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) and with the unanimous support of the CRD Board, the regional districts are urging for a commitment of funding to signal that the federal government is determined to protect the rail corridor and see that the line is restored.
"We believe it is in the national, provincial and regional interest to protect this corridor and advance First Nations reconciliation efforts and should be a top priority for the federal government,” says the CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “It is imperative that we recognize the significance of this crucial transportation infrastructure and work together to ensure its protection for generations to come."
The Snaw-Naw-As Nation is seeking the section of the Island Rail Corridor that passes through their reserve to revert to the Nation as the corridor is not currently being 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 enforce its right of reversion.
The CRD Board believes protection of this important historic corridor is paramount and is working with other regional districts on the island, representing over 610,000 residents, to encourage the federal government to meet with the province, the ICF and the regional districts to provide an update on the federal position on this issue.
The CRD Board would like to extend its gratitude to the province, particularly Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, for continuing to engage with the CRD, the ICF and the federal government on this issue.
Letters regarding the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor
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