Province affirms $7-million pledge for E&N railway on Vancouver Island

VICTORIA – The provincial government is standing by a pledge of $7-million dollars to keep a piece of Vancouver Island history on the rails.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone says the province affirms funding to the Island Corridor Foundation to support the E&N rail line, which runs from the Victoria-area to Courtenay.

Stone says the Liberal government’s pledge means the railway is one step closer to resuming a fully operational passenger rail service.

In order to receive the provincial money, the Island Corridor Foundation must first confirm $7.5-million in federal funding is in place.

It must also show that all upgrade work will not exceed a $20.4-million budget.

If the project proceeds, the E&N rail line would offer twice-daily runs from Nanaimo to Victoria, service to Qualicum Beach on Wednesdays and weekends, and service to Courtenay on weekends and statutory holidays.