News

The so-called “active” status of the E&N railway blocks trail plans in Qualicum Beach.

The Enderby-Splatsin section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail project has been completed. It demonstrates the commitment of First Nations, regional, provincial and federal governments to connect communities and provide residents with a multi-use pathway that both preserves and showcases the region’s natural beauty. The same thing could happen with the Island Corridor if the people want it.

This article from the Globe and Mail shows the potential tourist revenue from cycling – a one week tour in Quebec costing only $9000!

The Regional District of Nanaimo and other jurisdictions along the Island Rail Corridor are in the planning stages of what to do with the 289-km stretch. (From an article in the Capital Daily) Read Article

FORT-VI has completed a study of the feasibility of putting a trail on the rail
bed of the Island Rail Corridor, funded by a $45,000 grant from the Federal
Active Transportation Fund.

The decision in March by the federal and provincial governments to return a portion of the Island rail corridor lands to the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation is likely the decisive blow to the concept of rail returning to the E&N corridor.

The Halalt First Nation near Chemainus is seeking the return of land taken from its reserve for the E&N railway in the early 1900s.

The federal government and the Province of British Columbia today announced the return of a short section of the Island Corridor to the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation. The Snaw-Naw-As have indicated strongly that they do not want rail going through their reserve and have stated that they want to see alternative uses for the corridor considered.

Ten acres of land taken for E&N to be returned to Nanoose First Nation

In a major setback for the resumption of rail on the E&N corridor five First Nations members of the Island Corridor Foundation have resigned.