WHEREAS the perfect storm of environmental change, peak oil and competitive global market conditions present significant challenges to our economic, environmental and social well-being; AND WHEREAS an efficient and effective freight and passenger rail transportation infrastructure mobilized through British Columbias entrepreneurial and community-based interests is a vital and compelling resource in addressing such challenges; AND WHEREAS the Vancouver Island E N right-of-way, 150 year old inter-community rail corridor, accessible by more than 80 of Vancouver Island residents, is now owned by the Island Corridor Foundation, a charitable society, comprised of First Nation and local government partners, and requires a capital injection to revitalize 290 km of operating rail system to be compatible with North American standards and practices; AND WHEREAS a highly effective freight and passenger transportation infrastructure is an essential but underutilized existing resource that will materially contribute to provincial goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harm to our environment and will provide greater economic leverage in responding to economic competitiveness; AND WHEREAS Canadian federal and provincial governments increasingly recognize the economic, environmental and social benefits of reinvesting in short line rail infrastructure: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities requests the provincial and federal governments, in partnership with the Island Corridor Foundation, to fund Vancouver Island rail infrastructure upgrades to rejuvenate the E N right-of-way to meet sustainable, modern and safe transportation standards and competitive business opportunities.
