The Federal minister of Transportation: pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca
The Premier of British Columbia: premier@gov.bc.ca.
B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure: rob.fleming.mla@leg.bc.ca
Honourable Minister,
I’m writing you this letter today as a big supporter of the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor, specifically the Island Corridor Foundations business case to restore Rail based services to Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada, Canada's most western Ports, the Port of Alberni and the Port of Nanaimo.
I would implore you to recognize the Island Rail Corridor for the 289km long historical site, and much needed transportation Corridor that it is needed now and into the future for Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Canada.
As is written on their web site "The Island railway was originally incorporated on September 27, 1883 by the E&N Railway Company, led by Sir Robert Dunsmuir, a renowned British Columbia (BC) coal baron and politician."
The Vancouver Island Corridor connects from Courtenay all the way to Victoria and intersects with the Parksville to Port Alberni line too! Both corridors are pre-existing! Originally built between 1883 and 1887, the railway corridor is in itself a 289km museum. The corridor connects every town and city along its path on an established right of way.
The Vancouver Island corridor does not require creating an alternate route like all the previous attempts tried and failed to do. It doesn’t require blasting or bridging over watersheds or spending billions on a tunnel like they’ve had to do in Vancouver for Skytrain. It will relieve the pressure to expand the roads with yet another extremely costly lane.
The corridor represents an amazing reconciliation opportunity to address the historical grievances emanating from the land grants, and that should not be ignored by the Government.
The Vancouver Island Railway is a gift to Vancouver Island from the past wrapped in controversy and strong feelings, but no one can deny that is just what Vancouver Island needs for 2023!
Increased mobility and independence for seniors and anyone with accessibility needs, Increased safety, comfort, and gained productive time for everyone travelling on the train, Lower travel and insurance expenses or live without a car at all! Fuel independence! Save money for rent, medications, food, cloths, education, and other essentials. Gain a farther reach to find work or to find a less expensive place to live.
Have space to distance, play, entertain, nap, work, or just stare out the window as nature scrolls by.
First Nations, the B.C. Government, Regional Districts and every Mayor in B.C Supports it along with residents by a landslide.
Please support development of the Vancouver Island Railway Corridor.
Signed
Warren Skaalrud "Born and Raised" Islander
Shawnigan Lake, Canada, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia V0R 2W1, Canada