Vancouver Island is an island in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and part of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
The island is 456 km (283 mi) in length, 100 km (62 mi) in width at its widest point, and 32,134 square km (12,407 sq mi) in area.
The island is the largest by area and the most populous along the west coasts of the Americas!
Vancouver Island has 864,864 people as of 2021 and growing rapidly as people move here from other areas of the province and from across Canada.
Between 2016 and 2021
Vancouver Island Grew by
65,000 people!
Vancouver Island is home to the
Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and
Coast Salish First Nations shown in Blue, Salmon, and Yellow on the map.
According to the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, there was a population of 43,420 First Nations in 2001!
Updated numbers are hard to find, but that number would probably be much higher today!
Victoria is within the Traditional Territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
Victoria has population of 91867 with 50% of the population aged 43.
The new Blue Bridge ended the connection to the heart of Victoria, but while the bridge crossing might be gone, there is still a connector to the rail bridge beside it!
That could connect to every transportation option Victoria has to offer from buses, to BIKE PATHS to harbour ferries and even majestic single human powered tourist coaches :)
Courtenay is within the traditional unceded territory of the K'ómoks First Nation.
According to Courtenay's town portfolio,
there is a population of 28,420 of which 8020, or 39% are over 65!
and of that only 5,250 work locally.
Consensus shows that 2375 people work outside the region with 1715 leaving for work between midnight and 5AM, all in personal vehicles. Where are they going?
With a train running in the morning, Courtenay would become the train hub for the entire Northern Island including Comox in addition to providing an inexpensive travel option to those that work or visit family and friends south of the city.
Would the city benefit from the 5,000,000 overnight visitors Vancouver Island gets for its economy?
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and south from Courtenay help you?
Comox is within the traditional unceded territory of the K'ómoks First Nation.
According to Comox's demographic profile,
there is a population of 14,806 of which 4725 or 30% are over 65
While there is not a lot of information in the city's demographic profile, they are trying to revitalize their downtown area! Would now be the perfect time?
Would the city benefit also from the 5,000,000 overnight visitors Vancouver Island gets for its economy?
and what better way to get to Air Shows!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay help you?
Qualicum Beach is within the traditional territory of the Qualicum First Nation.
According to Qualicum demographics,
there is a population of 9,233 of which 52.1% is over 65!
"The elderly enjoy simplicity and familiar things! they also enjoy being able to get where they want to go without dealing with traffic shut-downs and other commuting frustrations"
A new accessible passenger train would allow them to get from Qualicum to Victoria for $200/mo, and
Seniors discounts will be available!
Would they connect with Cabs at their destinations, BC Transit? Uber if it ever comes to the Island, or a family member or friend?
1135 Qualicum citizens commute outside the city!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Qualicum help you?
Parksville is within the unceded territory of the Coast Salish People.
According to Parkville demographics,
there is a population of 13,705 of which 43% is over 65!
Parksville has been experiencing an economic downturn due to several economy "weaknesses."
Many of those "weaknesses" relate to access! Hospital access, tourist access, and lack of access to transportation and ferries.
a $200 monthly pass would give Parkville citizens access to Duke Point, Victoria by rail, and of course up to 5,000,000 Vancouver Island Visitors!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Parksville help you?
Lantzville is within the unceded territory of the Coast Salish People.
According to Lantzville demographics,
there is a population of 3,817 of which 50% of the population over 50.8 years!
950 citizens reported travelling outside the community!
The employment rate in Lantzville has been declining at a rate of .42% per year, but like compound interest that can really hurt an economy!
Accessing a reliable, modern, and comfortable passenger service would bring much needed tourism to the area and provide travel options for residents!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Lantzville help you?
Nanaimo is within the unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, and Stzuminus people.
According to Nanaimo demographics,
there is a population of 99,863 with a younger median age of 45.2 years old
2030 citizens reported travelling outside the community!
It's no secret that Nanaimo is one of Canada's fastest growing cities!
Strengthening freight and passenger services between Nanaimo and Victoria will allow both to prosper!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Nanaimo help you?
Ladysmith is within the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation
According to Ladysmith demographics,
there is a population of 8537
but the growth rate is off the charts!
As a popular retirement town, Ladysmith is expected to grow by 35% by 2035
is that 35% more cars on the road?
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in picking up in Ladysmith help you?
Somenos Lake is within the traditional lands of the Quw'utsun' people
Situated north of Duncan, Somenos Lake is home of the BC Forest Discovery Centre and Somenos Marsh Wildlife Refuge, a 200 hectare wildlife reserve.
What better stop to make for Tourists that want to know more about Vancouver Islands rail's history than to visit the Forestry Centre! or maybe travelers would prefer to watch the views of the conservatory on the way by?
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Duncan help you?
Duncan is within the traditional lands of the Quw'utsun' people
Duncan has a population of 5047 with half its population over 55.
805 citizens identified that they travel outside the city every day, and it has an 8.9% unemployment rate!
An inexpensive travel option to reach more employment opportunities could help the unemployed get employment!
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Duncan help you?
Shawnigan Lake is within the unceded territory of the Coast Salish, Malahat and Cowichan Nations.
Shawnigan lake has a population of 8,656 with 50% of the population aged 43.
It has a rail trail, and has access to endless bike paths of every level that go from spectacular mountain top views, or to the amazing structure that the Kinsol Trestle is!
Shawnigan residents that work North or South could ditch the car for the rail line for the daily commute!
Tourist access to Shawnigan Lake would energize local businesses
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Shawnigan help you?
Langford is within the unceded territory of the Coast Salish People.
Langford has a population of 47,313 with 50% of the population aged aged 38
Not the old Langford of the past, the rejuvenated, and invigorated economy is growing rapidly, and it's the hub between the Northern Trains and the Victoria to Langford run that I say should look a lot like the SkyTrain!
but without the 50x cost of elevating it.
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Langford, and commuter service between Victoria and Langford help you?
Esquimalt is within the Traditional Territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
Esquimalt has a population of 17,655 with 50% of the population aged aged 43
Esquimalt is home to CFB Esquimalt and the historic Roundhouse by the inner harbour!
Would the rail line become the preferred way for members to get to work? If they live in less expensive areas of the island, would they prefer to save the gas and maintenance costs and the parking stress? would $200/month get their cars off the road?
The roundhouse has an extension that goes to the Blue Bridge. I see a tourist oriented connecter running there connecting to Harbour Ferry, an offloading point for Bikers on their way to tour Victoria, or passengers to connect with any other transportation they might use.
Would a train going North from the Roundhouse (Victoria) and South from Courtenay picking up in Langford, and commuter service between Victoria and Esquimalt help you?
Port Albernie is within the traditional Territory of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council
Port Alberni has a population of 18,000
Port Alberni is blessed with a deep, well-protected natural harbour, in a prime location in Canada as the nearest port to the Pacific Rim.
The harbour is a world-class facility with three deep sea berths, along with excellent wharves, road access, support vessels and other modern services for effective loading and unloading of cargo. The port can currently accommodate vessels up to 100,000 Deadweight Tonnage. Expansion and improvements to the port are ongoing.
It still has a connected rail line to Parksville!
Parksville would become a hub!
Crofton is within the traditional lands of the Quw'utsun' First Nations
Crofton has a population of 2500. In 2016, it was only 1,373!
Crofton has a strong sense of community pride and participation. A great example is the Crofton Community Centre Society, a volunteer organization in existence since 1951. Its objectives include engaging in charitable, recreational and social programs for Crofton, and surrounding area. The Society (among others), has been working to emphasize links to the Crofton waterfront. Through projects such as the Museum, the newly-completed Seawalk, and other activities, the goal is to produce an active and vibrant waterfront.
and it still has a rail line connected to the corridor! Rail is a link!
to access to 5 Million visitors!
That sounds good for that vibrant waterfront!
Lake Cowichan is within the traditional territory of the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation
Lake Cowichan has a population of 3226
The Town of Lake Cowichan may be reached via Duncan from either Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo B.C., and is 20 minutes by road from Duncan. Other communities comprising the Cowichan Lake area are Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake and Youbou, all within easy reach by road. Each community has access to scenic Cowichan Lake, one of the largest fresh-water lakes on Vancouver Island. Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew, Nitinat and Bamfield, which are the trailheads for the West Coast Trail unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the old growth forests of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
and it still has a rail line connected to Duncan!
Duncan would become a hub!