In September of last year, a Victoria man named Warren Skaalrud launched a petition to the federal government to reinstate an active passenger and freight railway on Vancouver Island using the now defunct Island Corridor.
In this petition, Skaalrud and all those who signed were calling on the federal government to work with First Nations along the Island Corridor to reconcile and resolve long-standing concerns with the railway.
In addition to this, he wants a $1 billion fund committed to the project in the name of public transport, recognition that the Island Corridor Foundation is a legitimate non-profit who are advocating for Vancouver Island’s best interests and to develop modern infrastructure through the corridor for future generations to also benefit off the rail service.
In January 2024, the petition closed with over 7,600 signees.
Then, one month later, Alistair MacGregor NDP MP for the Cowichan—Malahat—Langford electoral district brought the petition before the House of Commons.
On Friday, March 22nd, Pablo Rodriguez, Canadian Minister of Transport provided a response to the petition.
He said that the government is committed to reconciliation, advancing sustainable transportation solutions, community benefits, economic growth and overcoming challenges in transportation.
Rodriguez also spoke to the money that the Canadian government and BC government has spent on the Island Corridor through the years.
However, in his response, he hinted at more money coming from the budget in 2026-2027 for initiatives dealing with public and active transportation.
“As a registered Canadian Charity, the Island Corridor Foundation continues to engage with Canada in advancing its core mandate – preserving and using the rail corridor,” Rodriguez wrote.
“The Province of British Columbia also provided $18 million in Spring 2022 to support community and Indigenous engagement on the future of the Corridor.”
He added that the work between BC and Canada on the Island Corridor is ongoing.
Do you think it’s possible to reinstate the railway on the island? Let us know in the comments below!
