Foundation Archives - Island Corridor Foundation

Board Meeting Notes July 2017

cwieler — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 17:02:39 +0000

Vancouver Island Friends of Rails to Trails
The VI FORT gave a presentation to the board in support of converting the railway tracks to a hiking and biking trail only. The group has presented to several councils and boards. The ICF Board is in the process of redrafting the ‘Strategic Priorities Plan’ and has reaffirmed the ICF commitment of ‘Rails with Trails’.
McLean Mill Steam Train Tourist Attraction
A comprehensive plan for the expanded McLean Mill & Steam Train attraction was presented to the board including a detailed track & bridge upgrade for the six miles of track that the steam train operates on. The ICF will seek the ACRD approval to redirect the $75,000 committed for the Victoria sub to the six miles of track on the Alberni subdivision.

Federal/ Provincial Track Infrastructure Funding
A new Federal/Provincial infrastructure application will be drafted and submitted to the respective governments for approval. The plan will focus on track improvements between Nanaimo and Victoria as the first phase of the incremental plan to restore rail service to the Victoria sub and the Alberni subdivision.
Very strong support was indicated by MLA Sonia Furstenau on behalf of the Green Party after meeting with ICF and Southern Rail of Vancouver Island (SVI) representatives. Meetings are being arranged with Minister of Transportation Claire Trevena (North Island) and Minister of Indigenous Relations Scott Fraser (Alberni) as formal first steps to updating the new government. Recent comments by government members and the Premier have signaled a keen interest in restoring Island train service.
First Nation Liaison
Meetings have been held with Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation and Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group to update on recent ICF activities and the Snaw-Naw-As litigation. Concerns of safety and community impact when trains recommence operation were discussed.
Local Government Liaison Meeting
Municipal councillors attended the summer liaison meeting in early July. SVI representatives presented the new incremental track infrastructure plan that will support the VIA Inter-city passenger service; tourist excursion train; freight; and base improvements for commuter rail between Victoria and Langford. It also provides for Safety Sight & Sound barriers through member First Nation Communities and a walking trail across the Chemainus River Bridge.
Admirals Road Improvements
A section of Admirals Road between the Songhees Wellness Centre and the Admirals Walk shopping centre is being widened and repaved this year to improve access for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Improvements to the one-kilometre stretch from Hallowell Road to Maplebank Road will include upgrades to intersections and the stormwater drainage system along with new curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
The road improvements coincide with work on the E&N Rail Trail, which will run alongside Admirals at that location.

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Work continues towards commuter-rail service on Vancouver Island

cwieler — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 16:44:54 +0000

Capital region mayors remain optimistic about the prospects for commuter-rail service on the E&N Rail corridor from Langford to Vic West, despite a pending change in the provincial government.
Langford Mayor Stewart Young said he expects the project to receive strong consideration, whether the existing Liberal government survives or falls to a new NDP-Green alliance.
“I know the NDP support the E&N,” he said. “Pretty well every government has.”
Young stressed the need for a strong business case for the project, no matter which party takes power.
“We’ve got to be really making sure that we have a good understanding of what we think the ridership will be, because that really dictates how much of a subsidy the government gives,” he said.
B.C. Liberal Transportation Minister Todd Stone launched a working group in March to look at options for the 15-kilometre stretch of track and report back following the May 9 election.
“I have said I expect a business case to be completed and on our desks, ready for the next government to consider, so that we can finally move forward with commuter rail here in Greater Victoria,” Stone said at the time.
The Liberals, however, fell one seat short of a majority in the 87-seat legislature, winning 43 seats to 41 for the NDP and three for the Greens. B.C. Liberal Premier Christy Clark remains in power for now, but NDP Leader John Horgan and B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver signed an accord last week to defeat the Liberals and install an NDP minority government once the legislature returns, likely this month.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, who ran unsuccessfully for the Liberals in Esquimalt-Metchosin, said the E&N commuter-rail project will be in good hands no matter who forms the government. “The NDP, having been here for a long period of time and representing us, know that this is a significant issue,” she said. “It would be a low-hanging fruit, early win for them.”
Desjardins said it also bodes well that both Horgan and Weaver represent ridings on southern Vancouver Island. Horgan was re-elected in Langford-Juan de Fuca, while Weaver won a second term in Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
“It’s my hope that they really focus some attention to the lower Island and particularly the E&N,” Desjardins said.
“Much of the work has been done in terms of costing.”
Horgan said last week that an NDP minority government would focus on Island issues in ways that the Liberals did not.
“I know the Island Corridor Foundation and E&N corridor is one that I feel very strongly about and have been working on for a decade. I’m going to be focusing on that, for sure.”
The NDP’s election platform promised that the party would “lead and promote efforts to fix the E&N railway tracks so that commuter rail can become an option to eliminate gridlock.”
The B.C. Green Party’s Adam Olsen, who won the riding of Saanich North and the Islands, urged action on the corridor.
“The E&N rail line is one … that should have been done a long time ago,” he said during the campaign.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said transportation is the biggest challenging facing the region.
“How do we move more people, more quickly around the region, particularly as the population continues to grow? So the train is an answer, rapid bus is an answer, bike lanes are an answer, but the train definitely needs to be part of it and, hopefully, we’ll see that commitment continue.”
Colwood Mayor Carol Hamilton is also optimistic.
“My expectation would be, regardless of who forms government, that the opportunities of utilizing the E&N railline are not studied to death, but looked at realistically as a solution to a number of issues facing the South Vancouver Island commuters,” she said.
Passenger service ceased on the E&N line in March 2011 due to safety concerns with the tracks.
lkines@timescolonist.com

LINDSAY KINES, VICTORIA TIMES COLONIST
Lindsay Kines, Victoria Times Colonist

Published on: June 4, 2017

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Nanaimo residents ‘very supportive’ of rail

cwieler — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 16:43:35 +0000

Almost three-quarters of respondents from Nanaimo are ‘very supportive’ of rail service, according to an Island Corridor Foundation survey.
The foundation conducted the online survey between April 7 and May 15 with a total of 438 people responding. Sixty-four responded from Greater Nanaimo, with 72 per cent very supportive of rail, 1.6 per cent somewhat supportive, 9.4 per cent somewhat unsupportive and 17.2 per cent not supportive at all.
Overall, 85.5 per cent said it was very important to them that the Island rail corridor be “preserved for public use in the long-term future” and 62 per cent were very supportive of rail service on Vancouver Island.
There was also support for continued development of rail with trails within the corridor, with 48.3 per cent very supportive, 20.8 per cent somewhat supportive, 13.6 per cent neutral, 5.3 per cent somewhat unsupportive and 12 per cent not supportive at all.
The survey report said common themes from respondents were general support for prioritizing rail repairs, upgrades and services incrementally based on economic feasibility and seeking government funding accordingly.
In terms of next steps, the report said Southern Railway of Vancouver Island will provide cost estimates for upgrades to the rail infrastructure and foundation staff will prepare five-year financial projections. The board will choose a preferred rail infrastructure option and establish goals and performance indicators for a business plan.
However, Graham Bruce, foundation CEO, said it was too early to discuss business plan timelines as the board is hoping to meet by the end of this month to discuss the results. It is a step in the process, he said.
“They haven’t had a chance to collectively come together to review the information and so this is just that information that was gathered, it was posted, made public … all of the questions you’re asking me I can’t really give you an answer to till the board’s had a chance to look at it, but we wanted to share it with everybody initially,” said Bruce.
http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/island-corridor-foundation-says-nanaimo-residents-very-supportive-of-rail/
Karl Yu June 3rd 2017

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ICF Feedback Form Results

cwieler — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 17:09:12 +0000

The Island Corridor Foundation wishes to thank everyone who took the time to complete our recent online survey regarding the draft Business Plan. A total of 438 responses were received, which surpassed the ICF’s goal of 400. The results have now been summarized and are available for download below. Next steps are outlined on the last page of the file. Click here or the image below to view the results.

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Board Meeting Notes April 2017

cwieler — Thu, 04 May 2017 00:02:07 +0000

Annual General Meeting well attended
Approximately 40 people attend the annual general meeting April 27th, 2017 at the
Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Reports from the auditors, the solicitor, the
Chair and CEO as well as presentations from the rail operator, Southern Rail and
the business plan consultant filled the agenda. A full report can be found on the
website. Directors elected to a two year term were Ken McRae – ACRD, Alec McPherson
– RDN, Albie Charlie – Cowichan Tribes, Jim Tatoosh – Hupacasath First Nation and
Mary Ashley – Director at large.

Board Appointments
Dr. Judith Sayers will remain chair of the ICF Board of Directors for the next year
and Mayor Phil Kent will take on the role of vice-chair. John Berikoff will serve
another year as Financial Officer and Nicole Norris will continue in the role of
Firsts Nation Liaison. Graham Bruce, CEO was named secretary. These are one year
terms.
Commuter Train Working Group
Don McGregor, SVI Island Project Manager and Singh Biln, SVI Community Relations
will represent the ICF and SVI as members of the Ministry of Transportation working
group to draft terms of reference for a feasibility study for commuter service
between Victoria and Langford. The Ministry has stated the feasibility report is
to be completed by July.
ICF Business Plan
The ICF Business Plan revision has received significant public submissions. Because
of the interest the Board has extended the public comment process until May 19 2017.
This is the first step of the review process. Public input will be reviewed by the
directors and then the Board will update the plans goals and objectives where necessary.
It is anticipated further public comment will then be sought. Click here to read
more about the business plan , click here to give us your feedback
Courtenay Station Looking For New Partner(s)
Courtenay Rotary is bowing out of the station restoration project after saving the
building with a new roof and upper siding. The restoration of the heritage station
has become a bigger project than what Rotary is able to take on at this time. The
search for community partners and possible tenants will continue.

Entrance Improvements to the Duncan Station
The Cowichan Historical Society received confirmation of funding for entrance improvements
to the Duncan Station. The $81,000 grant will also assist in the development of
the First Nation Gallery and the Asian Gallery. The station has been the home of
the Cowichan Valley Museum for many years.

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AGM 2017

cwieler — Tue, 02 May 2017 23:40:02 +0000

Approximately 40 people attend the annual general meeting April 27th, 2017 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Reports from the auditors, the solicitor, the Chair and CEO as well as presentations from the rail operator, Southern Rail and the business plan consultant filled the agenda. Directors elected to a two year term were Ken McRae – ACRD, Alec McPherson – RDN, Albie Charlie – Cowichan Tribes, Jim Tatoosh – Hupacasath First Nation and Mary Ashley – Director at large.

Budget 2017
AGM Minutes 2016

AGM DRAFT Minutes 2017
Island Corridor Foundation Financial Statements 2016 – Signed
Current Director List

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AVICC Workshop

cwieler — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 22:21:21 +0000

The Island Corridor Foundation and Southern Rail provided background information and a current operations update that assisted the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) delegates in responding to the initial working draft of the ICF Business Plan, click here for to view the draft business plan.

AVICC is the longest established area association under the umbrella of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The area association was established in 1950. It now has a membership of 51 municipalities and regional districts that stretch from the Central Coast Regional District down to the tip of Vancouver Island and include Powell River and the Sunshine Coast. The Association deals with issues and concerns that affect large urban areas to small rural communities.

We had a great turn out, over 100 delegates attended the morning workshop, please click the images below for the power points from the workshop

To view more videos that are posted on our facebook page, click here

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Board Meeting Notes March 2017

cwieler — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 22:36:41 +0000

AVICC Conference Presentation
An early morning ICF/SVI breakfast workshop presentation Saturday April 8th has been scheduled at the AVICC spring conference at Campbell River. The presidents of Southern Rail and Seaspan will participate in the presentation.
Audit & Financial Statements Report
The auditors presented a draft of the 2016 financial statements for board approval. The ICF finished the year with a cash surplus of $163,085. There was a non cash loss of $3,366,320 which included amortization of $3,529,405 on assets of over $330,000,000. The full report will be presented at the AGM.
New President for Southern Rail
Derek Ollmann will take over the controls of Southern Rail as President April 1st. Derek has worked with Southern and directly under Frank Butzelaar. Frank has been promoted to CEO of Seaspan the largest of the Washington Group of companies. Long-time island Roadmaster Al Kutaj has been made Superintendent. The three promotions clearly indicate Southern’s commitment to Vancouver Island rail. The ICF congratulates the three on their respective promotions.
Special thanks to Frank for his very strong representation and development of Southern Rail within the Washington Group and his service to the people and communities of Vancouver Island.
Cowichan Nations Alliance – ICF Pleadings Addressed
The Cowichan Nations Alliance (Cowichan Tribes, Halalt FN, Penalakut FN and Stz’uminus) concerns about the ICF defense pleadings to the Snaw-Naw-As (SNA) claim will be addressed in cooperation with the Alliance. The pleadings will be amended. The SNA has filed a claim against Canada and the ICF with respect to the mile of corridor that passes through the SNA reserve at Nanoose.
Island Milk Producers support rail
In a letter to the ICF, Island dairy farmers wrote that the rail line continues to be very crucial for Island dairy producers as Top Shelf Feeds receives feed commodities by rail. Top Shelf services farms from Victoria to Black Creek and farmers rely on this service to be both viable and cost effective. Agriculture is very important to the Island economy and many agribusinesses rely on the rail line to provide a necessary service to assist in their operational success.
Community Round Table
The community round table meeting held February 3rd at Parksville had a strong turnout despite a significant snow fall. A photo report can be found on our website. The first public draft of the ICF business plan can also be found on the website.

ICF Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held Thursday April 27th at the Nanaimo Conference Centre commencing at 10am. The general public is invited to attend. Meeting business includes election of directors; presentation of the financial statements and reports by the solicitor, the Chair, the CEO and the President of Southern Rail.
ICF Business Plan – Public Feedback
The ICF Draft Business Plan – stage one – ‘public feedback’ form is available for review and comment on the ICF website. The Board is soliciting community comment and ideas and will then set out goals. A five year budget based on the priorities will be developed.

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ICF Draft Business Plan for public input

cwieler — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 23:19:34 +0000

The ICF Board of Directors is in the process of updating the Foundation’s business plan, and would like your input on what the Board’s goals and priorities should be in the years ahead.
A summary of the responses will be presented to the Board and further drafts will be posted for public input.
View the summary form results here

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Community Round Table Meeting

cwieler — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:31:08 +0000

Over 45 people attending the first Community Round Table Meeting held in Parksville on Friday, February 3rd. Attendees heard from speakers from partnering organizations involved with the corridor foundation to provide an in-depth look of the current and future opportunities.
Round table attendees will participate in topics included:
– SVI Rail operations & business plan
– Trail Development
– First Nation Declaration
– Historic Stations
– Tourism Excursion Train
– Alberni Pacific Railway
– Biking Tourism Opportunities
– Commuter Train

Agenda – Community Round Table Meeting

Frank Butzelaar, President SVI Reviewing the Four Pillar approach for rail on Vancouver Island.

Frank Reviewing the VIA Rail Train Service Agreement

Current Rail Car Business

View More of his presentation below

Joan Mitchel, RDN giving an overview of the new rail trail from Parksville out to Coombs

Kathryn Gagnon, curator of the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives

Kevin Hunter, president of Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society (IHS)

View More of his presentation below

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