The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is a collaboration of First Nations and Regional Districts to protect the rail corridor that extends from Victoria to Courtenay and inland to Port Alberni. The corridor connects communities and provides opportunity for tourism, commuter and freight rail services and for recreation. It belongs to Vancouver Islanders in perpetuity.
I really enjoy what you are doing and am interested in taking pictures of any unusual traffic such as the log trains that go by us in Qualicum particularly, but any other goings on as well.
Thanks Al.
I really like the new setup of the website. I have added your site as a link on my website. Keep up the great work.
Aaron Lypkie
I think it is about time to hold the first island lottery for the rail line. Sell tickets at $50. each and this should generate at least $1M in profit. A start to purchasing ties and get started on our own. Islanders are ready to show we can run a freight and passenger business.
I agree with Wayne, I believe there are a lot of people on the Island ready to support the ICF, and it is not clear how we can currently do so (other than writing to our MLA and Mayor/ Council).
This comment relates only to the portion of the rail line that runs through the heart of the City of Nanaimo. I am not familiar with how it impacts other communities at this time.
I am wondering if anyone is looking into the impact on quality of life issues for residents living in the immediate vicinity of the rail line and in particular in the heavily populated areas in Nanaimo.
How many railway crossings are there within the city limits that are very close to peoples homes? How many train horns is that per day? Trains horns whistling in the distance is romantic in every sense. I know when I am out in the Canadian wilderness somewhere and I see a train track or hear a train horn somewhere out there I feel an immediate connection to my country and the people who make it so great. A train horn a few meters from my head and not so much… that is why the horn is there after all!
The last time I saw a train start from a complete stop I saw quite a bit of heavy exhaust pumped into the atmosphere. Who wants to breath that from their apartment window or backyard?
Trains are wonderful. I’ve had train sets as a boy and have enjoyed passenger train travel in Europe and Canada. I remember fondly riding the Hudson Steam train from North Vancouver to Squamish.
How do City planners plan to encourage people to live in greater numbers, closer to public transit and walk/bike-to services, which means closer to the rail line that runs through the center of the City? Peaceful, clean, safe are the biggest attractions for most people seeking a place to live.
In my opinion there are two economically and environmentally sustainable options for the portion of the rail line that runs through the heart of Nanaimo.
#1– turn it completely into a pedestrian/bike path and just watch the neighbourhoods surrounding this new facility grow and prosper. A fantastic example of this is the “Petit Train du Nord” in Quebec which transformed an unwanted/underused rail line into a tourism mecca and people friendly jewel.
#2– would be to use it as a light rail commuter corrider, powered by electricity. Much quieter and cleaner, much more useful in the City. This option is very unlikely in the Nanaimo area beause of cost vs. population. I
If the quality of life is second to none in Nanaimo there is no reason at all to doubt that “they will come”. Look at what has been done in Vancouver in Coal Harbour and Yaletown both almost completely transformed from industrial to residential. Nanaimo has the same climate, the same ocean and it lies right smack in the middle of a spectacular Pacific island.
Heavy machinery is a necessary part of human life. Trains, planes, buses, ships are all vital to our economies and our standard of living. It’s just best to seperate as much as possible the operation of these heavy machines from the living spaces of the people.
The Island Corridor Foundation is definetely and good thing for Vancouver Island. I just hope that there are people in your organization that bring up the issue of quality of life along the rail line to the table when you discuss and plan for the future.
Thank you.