Connecting our businesses to world markets
There is no question the movement of the products that fuel our economy by Rail is more safe, efficient, economical and environmentally friendly than any other mode of land-based transportation.
Based in Nanaimo, our Rail partner, Southern Rail of Vancouver Island (SVI) a division of Southern Rail of British Columbia with over 100 years of service to B.C. business, provides Island businesses with a seamless rail and sea transportation gateway to the mainland, North American and World markets through its sister company, Seaspan Coastal Intermodal.
Our vision for the Corridor and the business case that supports it are already producing, immediate, positive and tangible results.
SVI already has an integrated Freight system in place on the Island moving goods to and from markets around the world.
As the result of partial upgrades to the Rail line Nanaimo North, manufactures of wood products can now ship their products to world markets more economically and efficiently. The upgrades have already created jobs for Islanders supplying environmentally friendly yellow cedar for replacement ties for the railway.
But it is still working at minimum capacity.
To succeed in todays global economy Island businesses need it working at maximum capacity.
Once the Rail Corridor is upgraded, our businesses will have a seamless, competitive advantage for exporting and importing products that is fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Long-term assurance of reliable Rail service at more competitive rates can attract new businesses to the Island and that means more jobs and lower prices for consumers.
Job creation, Tourism and Small Business
Efficient and affordable Rail is the key to sustainable economic growth for our businesses up and down the Island.
Investing in rail upgrades will result in significant job creation for Island residents that can generate 1,150 person years of full-time equivalent (FTEs) of employment over a three-to five-year period.
Wages and salaries are estimated to amount to $52 million.
35,339 passengers traveled by train on the old E&N line in 2007. Imagine the growth potential that modern, high speed trains can have on tourism and small businesses.
An upgraded rail system can increase tourist visits to the Oceanside beach resorts First Nations cultural venues and better service the growing cruise ship sector in Nanaimo, Victoria and Port Alberni by bringing new business to our hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers up and down our Island.
Rail can also bring new numbers of eco-tourists to their destinations, to vineyards and on dinner train excursions while creating new retail customers for Island businesses.