Duncan Station Home of Cowichan Valley Museum
The Cowichan Valley Historical Society would like to undertake a substantial upgrade of the Duncan Station by improving the entrance and reception area. The station has been home to the museum for many years. While past improvements have kept the building sound the main entrance needs a more inviting appearance. The ICF will work with the historical society and the City of Duncan to draft a long term lease. The lease will allow the society to engage in a fundraising effort for the renovations. Some of the changes will expand the First Nation display.
Snaw-Naw-As First Nation claim
The ICF filed a response to the claim at the end of February. Canada has been given an extension until the end of April. Until Canada files its response the Infrastructure Canada $7.5 million grant is held up. The claim is for the 10.5 acres of corridor that passes through the First Nation at Nanoose.
Island Rail 130th Anniversary Celebration
The ‘Island Explorer Excursion Train’ owned by the West Coast Railway Association was on display at the Historic Nanaimo Train Station April 8th and 9th. The Nanaimo Port Authority, Southern Rail and the ICF hosted the two day event. The generous contributions by the corporate sponsors, McElhanney Engineering, Hayes Stewart Little Accountants, Scott Ritter Law Corp and LaCroix Law provided the resources for a very successful ‘family friendly rail day’ on the Saturday.
Four rides on the historic F Series train took place Friday. The rides provided fundraising opportunities for four charities, Cystic Fibrosis Canada; Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island; Nanaimo Travellers Lodge and the Young Professionals of Nanaimo.
Local Government and First Nation Liaison Committees established
In an effort to provide an additional flow of information amongst local and first nation governments the ICF Board has established two liaison committees. Due to ‘conflict of interest’ issues board members are in a difficult situation in reporting back to their respect organizations. Trying to keep five regional boards, 14 local governments and 11 First Nations informed is a challenging task and very time consuming in making presentations to each body.
Regional District of Nanaimo Track Infrastructure Funding withdrawal
The RDN withdrew its funding support of approximately $950,000 for track infrastructure improvements. The $20.9 million dollar upgrade plan had sign- off from 7 of 8 funding partners. The Government of Canada had committed $7.5 million to the project through Infrastructure Canada. The ICF is awaiting ministerial sign-off from Infrastructure Canada. The ICF will explore other sources to cover the shortfall.
