The Capital Regional District board is calling on the federal and provincial governments to work with First Nations to settle land claims along the Island’s rail corridor.
It also wants them to set up a multi-disciplinary team to focus on resurrecting the rail service.
“We need to have meaningful conversations with communities along the Island Rail Corridor about our shared future,” said board chair Colin Plant.
“We want to keep options open for growth and development while listening to and respecting interests of local First Nations.”
Restarting rail service has been discussed for many years. Trains used to run between Victoria and Courtenay, but the service was shut down in 2011 because of the deteriorating tracks.
Detractors see rail as too expensive and impractical, while supporters believe it would help link Island communities and contribute to their economies.
But the issue became more urgent when a B.C. Court of Appeal case in 2021 gave the federal government until March 2023 to determine if it wants the rail service to resume and will help pay for it.
The case was brought by the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, which is claiming a portion of the E&N Railway land that cuts through its reserve. The First Nation says the corridor restricts mobility and development on its land.
If the federal government decides not to pursue rail, the First Nation would be able to ask the court for the return of the land granted to the railway.
The Island Corridor Foundation owns the 295-kilometre corridor and has been lobbying for a $431-million rail system with both passenger and freight service, funded by senior governments. The foundation has pegged construction costs at about $381 million, with another $50 million needed to purchase rolling stock.
Executive director Larry Stevenson told the CRD board this week that the foundation’s plan would create a modern, efficient rail system.
The CRD board has consistently recognized the Island Rail Corridor as a key component of the regional transportation system, the board said in its statement.
“After Indigenous claims are settled, development of the corridor would entail more in-depth financial analysis working with regional districts, municipalities, and Nations in partnership with the provincial and federal governments.”
A 2020 consultant’s report done for the province set out a number of scenarios for restoring rail use. The priciest topped $1 billion.
Friends of Rails to Trails Vancouver Island has advocated for the railway line to be used as a trail for walkers, runners and cyclists.
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