🛤️ Convert the Island Rail Corridor into a Multi-Use Trail — A Legacy for All Vancouver Islanders

To: The Governments of British Columbia and Government of Canada

For over 14 years, the Island Rail Corridor — the once-active railway stretching from Victoria to Courtenay and out to Port Alberni— has sat unused and deteriorating. Since rail service was suspended in 2011 due to safety concerns, no funding has been committed to restore operations. The corridor remains dormant, public access is limited, some corridor lands have been rightly returned to First Nations (north of Nanaimo,) while communities across Vancouver Island continue to grow and demand more accessible, safe and sustainable active transportation* and recreation options.

We believe it’s time to reimagine this historic corridor as a continuous multi-use trail that would connect communities, promote tourism, support local economies, and provide safe, green transportation and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Why Now?

🚫 No train has run in close to 15 years, and restoring rail service would cost hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars — with no clear ridership demand or financial sustainability.
🚶‍♀️🚴 A trail would provide immediate, year-round benefits to walkers, cyclists, families, commuters, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
🌱 Active transportation helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes public health, and improves community livability. 
💰 Investing in trails pays off: communities with accessible trail networks see increased tourism, stronger local economies, and higher quality of life.

A Trail for the Future

Communities like Vernon and Kelowna in the Okanagan have already transformed former rail corridors into thriving public spaces. Vancouver Island can do the same — building a legacy for future generations that supports active lifestyles, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

We, the undersigned, call on the provincial and federal governments to:

1.  Formally abandon plans to restore passenger rail service on the dormant E & N Rail Corridor.
2.  Transform the corridor lands into public use, in consultation with First Nations and local governments.
3.  Along with the Federal Active Transportation Funds, fund and develop a continuous multi-use trail from Victoria to Courtenay and out to Port Alberni— a green spine for the Island.

Let’s stop waiting for trains that will never come. It’s time to move forward — together — on a project that benefits everyone.

Sign today to support the Island Rail to Trail!

*Active transportation is human powered transportation such as 
walking, cycling and skiing, and includes mobility aids, electric 
bikes (e-bikes) and electric kick scooters (e-scooters)
For more information or to become of Member of FORT-VI please 
visit our website