Government of Canada Reaffirms Commitment to Repairs of the Vancouver Island Railway

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 24, 2015) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, today reconfirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to fund repairs to the historic Vancouver Island Railway, originally announced in 2012. The Province of British Columbia's recent confirmation of its funding takes the project one step closer to realization.

Because of poor track conditions on the Vancouver Island Railway, passenger rail service between Victoria and Courtenay was suspended due to safety concerns and freight traffic has had to operate at reduced speeds, reducing the line's efficiency and value as a component of the Island's transportation system. The work would address short-term operational issues, with the intention of making the corridor safe again for passenger service.

The Government of Canada had set aside up to $7.5 million in 2012 for the restoration work under the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component. Federal funding for this project is conditional upon the completion of the federal project review. As well, the Island Corridor Foundation must confirm that no further federal investment will be required. This includes costs associated with repairs to the existing track and bridges, and the costs associated with building a new passenger station in Esquimalt to replace the municipally-owned terminal in downtown Victoria, as well as any other costs that might arise.

The Government of Canada is focused on creating new opportunities for jobs and economic growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $7.5 million through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component for this project. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.
• The Province of British Columbia is providing $7,000,000, in addition to $500,000 already spent on an engineering study.
• The total cost of the project was originally estimated to be $15 million.
• Island Corridor Foundation would be responsible for all remaining project costs.
• The project area is located between Victoria and Courtenay.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased that the Province of British Columbia has confirmed its commitment to this project. We also stand by our commitment to fund this project. The repairs to the Vancouver Island Railway will create local jobs and economic growth, re-establish important passenger rail service for Island residents, and offer another route for visitors to this beautiful region. We look forward to working with the province and Island Corridor Foundation to ensure all the remaining conditions of the funding are met so the project can begin in earnest."

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

Associated Links

To see the original April, 2012 news release announcing federal support for the Vancouver Island Railway, please see http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/media/news-nouvelles/2012/20120410victoria-eng.html

To learn more about the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html#mic-vgi

For additional information on the Building Canada plan, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcp-pcc-eng.html

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

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