MARY ASHLEY AND JUDITH SAYERS / THE STAR
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Re: Ding-dong (Star, Feb. 6). The Island Corridor Foundation and representatives of Southern Rail Vancouver Island recently met with the Qualicum Beach and Parksville councils concerning the corridor and potential rail service.
It is apparent that members of both councils are not in favour of continuing rail.
The five regional districts along the right of way which represent all local governments have agreed to provide funding to upgrade the bridges and trestles along with the provincial and federal governments, who have pledged funds for the first phase of upgrading the rail between Victoria and Courtenay. Southern Rail are in negotiations with VIA Rail to provide the same benefits that passenger services enjoy all across Canada.
We understand that the regional districts look upon their contribution by taxpayers as a one-time grant in order that the railway upgrade and operation may proceed, with a 10-year timeframe to further develop the service. The business case has been accepted provincially and federally as being viable, following the advice of the province to “proceed with improvements in track and service stage by stage.”
The corridor is not just for the railway; alternate uses including the Alberni Pacific Railway that runs to the historic McLean Mill and trails now in use and under construction are part of the corridor’s recreational goals. Combined trail planning with Trans Canada Trail and the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association is occurring. Once completed, this will provide a wonderful Island trail network.
As for your editorial about the need for an audit, the ICF board and foundation are audited annually by MNP and the financial statements are posted on the ICF website for everyone to read. All revenues and expenditures are properly tracked and accounted for by the board. The board consists of mayors, chiefs and councillors from both First Nations and regional districts.
Mary Ashley, Dr. Judith Sayers, Board Co-Chairs, Island Corridor Foundation
© Oceanside Star
It is apparent that members of both councils are not in favour of continuing rail.
The five regional districts along the right of way which represent all local governments have agreed to provide funding to upgrade the bridges and trestles along with the provincial and federal governments, who have pledged funds for the first phase of upgrading the rail between Victoria and Courtenay. Southern Rail are in negotiations with VIA Rail to provide the same benefits that passenger services enjoy all across Canada.
We understand that the regional districts look upon their contribution by taxpayers as a one-time grant in order that the railway upgrade and operation may proceed, with a 10-year timeframe to further develop the service. The business case has been accepted provincially and federally as being viable, following the advice of the province to “proceed with improvements in track and service stage by stage.”
The corridor is not just for the railway; alternate uses including the Alberni Pacific Railway that runs to the historic McLean Mill and trails now in use and under construction are part of the corridor’s recreational goals. Combined trail planning with Trans Canada Trail and the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association is occurring. Once completed, this will provide a wonderful Island trail network.
As for your editorial about the need for an audit, the ICF board and foundation are audited annually by MNP and the financial statements are posted on the ICF website for everyone to read. All revenues and expenditures are properly tracked and accounted for by the board. The board consists of mayors, chiefs and councillors from both First Nations and regional districts.
Mary Ashley, Dr. Judith Sayers, Board Co-Chairs, Island Corridor Foundation
© Oceanside Star
