ICF Vision -- Connecting Communities

  • Owned by the Island for the Island

    Vision

    To preserve and use the E&N Corridor in perpetuity, as one continuous corridor to connect and benefit all Island communities and First Nations along the corridor.

    Goal/Mission

    Expand multi-purpose use within the corridor, connect to services beyond, and enhance freight and commuter rail service.

    The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is a collaboration between First Nations and Regional Districts to protect the Island rail corridor.  Without this intervention rail service on the Island would have been abandoned and the continuous corridor lost forever.

    Owned by the Island for the Island

    Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and RailAmerica have donated their portions of the corridor to ICF.ICF is now the title-holder to all the land within the existing corridor, giving local First Nations and communities jurisdiction over this historic property for the first time since the land was granted to the Dunsmuirs for the E&N Railway in 1883.

    Local governments and First Nations will then be able to capitalize on the certainty of long-term tenure, enabling long-range planning and the more efficient integration of services.

    There will be more autonomy over decisions affecting Island communities, and as corridor activities become more linked with local economies, opportunities will only increase.

    Registered Charity

    The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) was registered as a charity in 2005, and has 12 Directors, five from First Nations, five from Island Regional Districts, and two at-large members – one each appointed by First Nations and the Regional Districts.

    Guiding Principles

    • To provide safe and environmentally sound rail services.
    • To promote economic and trade activity for First Nations and communities adjacent to the corridor.
    • To preserve archaeological resources, historic landmarks, structures, artifacts, environmental features, and culturally sensitive sites.
    • create trails and other recreational opportunities.
    • To undertake charitable activities beneficial to the communities along the corridor.

    Next Steps

    • Ensure a smooth transition to Southern Railway effective July 1, 2006.  VIA Rail will continue to operate passenger services as they do now.
    • Implement a 5-year plan to upgrade the rail infrastructure.
    • Invite representatives from all First Nations and local governments along the corridor to assist with the planning for its future to the benefit of all communities
    • Start community consultations concerning the Heritage Railway Stations in Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Courtenay

    Longer Term

    • Develop long term plans for compatible uses, such as trails and walkways.
    • Seek additional business opportunities.
    • Explore the potential for commuter rail in the south.
    • Build the Foundations role as a fund-raiser to assist and partner with community projects.