About Restore Island Rail Society
Volunteer Opportunities
Engage local communities, schools, and organizations through educational programs, tours, and workshops to raise awareness about the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of the Island Rail Corridor and its potential to benefit Vancouver Island’s communities.
An eye to restore and modernize
Bring about the restoration, modernization, and preservation of Vancouver Island’s Railway in its entirety, recognizing its importance as a vital piece of Vancouver Island’s transportation network.
Interesting trails beside the rails
To bring about the construction of additional multi-use trails alongside the Vancouver Island Railway, where feasible, for walking, cycling, running, and other micro-mobility activities, providing safe and scenic routes for residents and visitors.
Sustainable Transportation
To bring about the reintroduction of passenger trains on the rail corridor, contributing to sustainable transportation options for Vancouver Island’s residents, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Expand Freight Opportunities
Expand Freight Opportunities
To bring about the expansion of freight moving by rail on Vancouver Island to relieve some of the burden on highways and BC Ferries.
Integrate and Promote
Expand Freight Opportunities
To encourage the integration of the restored railway into broader regional transportation planning, promoting it as a key component of Vancouver Island’s sustainable mobility and economic and population growth strategy.
Directors
Warren Skaalrud
Warren Skaalrud
Warren Skaalrud
Warren Skaalrud is a born and raised Vancouver Islander. He's a retired 35 Year National Defense Veteran, Business Intelligence Officer, and Service Level Manager responsible for delivery of the department's Pacific Coast IT program. In 2022 Warren realized that the corridor was in grave danger of being broken up with a huge negative impa
Warren Skaalrud is a born and raised Vancouver Islander. He's a retired 35 Year National Defense Veteran, Business Intelligence Officer, and Service Level Manager responsible for delivery of the department's Pacific Coast IT program. In 2022 Warren realized that the corridor was in grave danger of being broken up with a huge negative impacts on Island life in the future.
"I started this campaign so that the Vancouver Island rail corridor is revitalized and our kids and their grandkids can travel and enjoy Vancouver Island as I had before cost of living skyrocketed!
Christopher Read
Warren Skaalrud
Warren Skaalrud
Chris Read has over 30 years of technical experience in commercial aviation and practices the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.
"It is my privilege to serve the residents of Vancouver Island. My goal is the Return of Rails with trails to Vancouver Island, build communities that are currently serviced by rail but also unite Vancouver Island w
Chris Read has over 30 years of technical experience in commercial aviation and practices the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.
"It is my privilege to serve the residents of Vancouver Island. My goal is the Return of Rails with trails to Vancouver Island, build communities that are currently serviced by rail but also unite Vancouver Island with rail from Victoria to Port Hardy, including a rail link to Port Alberni. Forward-thinking Together, we can continue to make our society a model for sustainable and inclusive living."
Brendan Read
Warren Skaalrud
Brendan Read
Brendan Read is a long time transportation champion who advocates to advance bus, train, and intercity transit, and works on issues of accessibility, environment, social inclusion, and economic sustainability.
Brendan is also a director at Transport Action British Columbia, which is a nonprofit advocacy group focused on public and sustainable transportation in BC.