Event Date
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dave Hayden, James Stuart, and Juan Navarro from the Island Rail Corp, to share with us a presentation on the future of rail on Vancouver Island.
Island Rail Corp (IRC) is an incorporated and privately held company that, with identified stakeholders and collaboration, proposes a new vision for Island Rail. IRC is a privately held corporation and proposes operating heavy freight-rail service from Port to Ports between the West and East coast ports of Vancouver Island; Port of Alberni, and Port of Nanaimo, respectively. IRC also proposes regional freight-rail service to local businesses along the Island Rail Corridor that can benefit from direct rail service. Additionally, as a byproduct of revenue-generating freight service, IRC supports an intercity passenger service between Nanaimo, Victoria, and Courtenay as well as a higher frequency passenger rail service between Duncan, Langford, and Victoria. IRC envisions operating seasonal revenue-generating tourist trains as well between strategic tourism-centric Island Corridor points of interest.
Approximately 80% of the population of Vancouver Island lives within 5 kilometers of the railway, the main exceptions being the North Island and Saanich Peninsula. The rail corridor offers tremendous potential as a green transportation alternative and as an important connection between communities both physically and socially.
Island Corridor Foundation Website, www.islandrail.ca
The presentation will take place at the Five Acre Co. Social House, at 4090 Hollywood St.
