Shortline Railways have been making a comeback since the 90's
Shortline Railways have been making a comeback since the 90's, recognized for their ability to integrate with other forms of transportation, handling first/last mile traffic, transloading, switching, and car storage services – reducing highway congestion and supporting the fluidity of the mainline rail network.
The Vancouver Island Railway is connected to the mainland railway network in a similar way that BC Ferries connects the island to the mainland highways, except we've been filling up the passenger ferries with traffic that should be on the rail network instead.
Have a read if this very informative presentation by the Railway Association of Canada
"The Critical Role of Shortline Railways in Canadian Supply Chains"
https://mitl.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2024/01/MITL_Shortline-Railways_FINAL-2024_01_18.pdf
Potential Inbound and Outbound Commodities - HDR 2026 Freight Assessment
The commodities shown are sourced from the 2026 ACRD Freight Rail reinstatement business case.
https://www.letsconnectacrd.ca/43935/widgets/219229/documents/166048
There are highly sensitive shipping areas
The decline of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population is linked to threats such as noise and disturbance from boats, and reduced availability of their preferred prey, chinook salmon, as well as chum and coho salmon. Chinook salmon are a vital food source for Southern Resident killer whales but wild populations have declined dramatically in recent years. To address these threats, we are implementing management measures to protect salmon and to minimize disturbance from vessels. We have also initiated actions to reduce the threat of contaminants.
Minimizing impact on sensitive ecosystems
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2022 management measures (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)