Bring back rail
Re: “Trail group wants study on E&N rail corridor future”, (Citizen, July 27).
Turning the railway corridor into a trail? I am surprised at this proposal, especially given the costs involved. Why do we need another trail? The Trans Canada Trail, connecting Victoria, Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Nanaimo is in place. Considering the traffic situation in and out from Victoria, with only one access over the Malahat, and the necessity to reduce GHG from traffic to combat climate change, it should be a no-brainer for all responsible decision makers to get railway traffic going on the existing corridor as quickly as possible. Considering the climate crisis, housing crisis and other “avoidable” environmental impacts, we have already put a big burden onto the next generation(s). This must stop. Each decision maker, who denies the need for the reinstatement of the railway must explain how or better provide a feasible solution on:
• How to handle the commuter traffic in and out of Victoria,
• How to handle the increasing number of vehicles in Victoria,
• How to achieve the required reduction of GHG emissions,
• How to minimize the environmental impact of the development and maintenance of our traffic systems,
• How to maintain business in Victoria, if the Malahat is closed for a “longer” period. We have seen the impact on Port Alberni and the west coast communities due to the closure of Highway 4!
I am aware that we are an “automotive society”. However, to solve actual problems and provide solutions for the future, we have to think outside of the box.
Would it not be wonderful if we could travel by train from Nanaimo to Victoria within an hour, without being concerned about road conditions and instead have time to read a book or just relax. Using trains, powered by fuel cells, would lead to zero emissions for the train ride.
I understand that this is a challenge and turning the railway into a trail might be an option to preserve the corridor for future generations. However, we must recognize that there is no feasible alternative to the railway to provide a solution for functional and environmentally sustainable commuting on the Island.
Let’s get it done.
Helmut Blanken
Duncan