WHEREAS Canadian Pacific Railway has issued a Notice of Sale or Discontinuance of Railway Line in accordance with the Canadian Transportation Act for the recently closed rail line between Armstrong and Sicamous; AND WHEREAS rail provides a cost effective and reliable transportation option required for the development of economically sustainable, environmentally responsible and financially viable communities throughout British Columbia and Canada and is fundamental to the growth strategies and economic development plans of many local and regional jurisdictions: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the federal and provincial governments commit to a funding program that will support the economic viability of short-line railways, thereby maintaining valuable railway transportation infrastructure and corridors; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government commit to protecting rail rights-of-way during discontinuance to ensure that all communities, the Province of British Columbia and the government of Canada maintain transportation options to respond to economic development and community needs into the future.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development RESD has the lead on this file, with assistance from the Integrated Land Management Bureau, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. RESD staff is working with local governments and affected shippers to determine the efficacy of a business case to assist in determining future rail service financial viability and models for service provision. Lower cost options for a partnership to take ownership of the rail right of way should be examined as part of a business case. Prior to supporting a request to the Federal government to protect rail rights-of-way subject to discontinuance, the Province would require a more detailed examination of the effectiveness of the proposal. The provision of a provincial government funding program for economically-depressed shortline railways in British Columbia would be a significant financial challenge. The Province does not fund shortline railways.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities This resolution was deemed to be Category D - in accordance with existing FCM policy and presented to the FCM board for information only.