Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, there has been confusion and misinformation about the Island Rail Corridor.

This FAQ is designed to answer common questions, clarify misconceptions, and outline IRC's position.

What is the Island Rail Corridor?

The Island Rail Corridor is the railway corridor on Vancouver Island, running from Victoria north to Courtenay, from Parksville west to Port Alberni, and including an isolated right-of-way from Duncan west to Lake Cowichan. Formerly known as the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) Railway, it was built in the late 19th century as part of Canada’s promise to bring British Columbia into Confederation. Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) owned and operated the E&N throughout the 20th century. In the early 2000s, ownership and management of the railway lands were donated and transferred to the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) in exchange for a sizeable tax receipt to CP. ICF is not a railway company; it was created to, and presently continues to, serve solely as the landlord for the corridor. The limited active rail operation currently remaining in Nanaimo is overseen privately under contract with ICF.

What is ICF and what do they do?

The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit federal charity that acts as the present landlord of the Island Rail Corridor and is made up of representatives from all Regional Districts and First Nations the rail corridor passes through, from Victoria to Courtenay, from Parksville to Port Alberni, and from Duncan to Lake Cowichan. ICF currently holds the lands of the railway corridor in trust on behalf of the people of Vancouver Island. ICF is not a railway company and is solely an owner and manager of the lands the railway tracks are on—not the rail operation itself.

What is Island Rail Corporation (IRC)?

Island Rail Corporation (IRC) is a privately held, Indigenous-led transportation company advancing a bold, revitalized vision for rail on Vancouver Island. Committed to restoring both freight and passenger rail services, IRC integrates sustainable technology and equitable development into every stage of its work. In partnership with Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and the private sector, IRC is building a rail system that reflects Vancouver Island’s values, meets its economic and environmental priorities, and supports a prosperous future for generations to come.

How are First Nations involved?

First Nations whose territories the Island Rail Corridor passes through are directly involved in IRC’s planning and strategy. IRC is committed to reconciliation through Indigenous leadership and ownership, supporting the return of unceded corridor lands to affected First Nations, and delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities—all within the framework of a privately held, Indigenous-led corporation. The goal is a modern, sustainable rail system that serves Vancouver Island now and for the next seven generations.

Will this project create jobs?

Yes. Restoring the railway will create hundreds of construction jobs as well as long-term positions in operations, maintenance, and administration. Additional indirect jobs will be generated in tourism, logistics, hospitality, and other sectors supported by a revitalized rail system and the economic growth it drives.

Why prioritize freight first?

Freight rail is the primary economic driver for the railway and makes passenger service possible. Revenue from moving goods such as intermodal containers, bulk commodities, and dimensional loads will fund infrastructure renewal, operations, and maintenance. This freight-led model reduces heavy truck traffic on Island highways, supports local industries, and provides the financial base to operate passenger and tourism rail services.

Is IRC opposed to trucking?

No. IRC is not anti-truck, nor do rail and trucking need to compete. Trains and trucks each have distinct strengths, and when they work together, logistics and the overall transportation system become more efficient, reliable, and sustainable.

Trucking excels at short-haul flexibility between points not directly rail-served and rapid point-to-point delivery—services that rail cannot replace. Rail, on the other hand, provides both short-haul and long-haul bulk efficiency, far greater carrying capacity, lower emissions, and significant transport cost savings, along with consistent all-weather reliability that roads cannot match. Steel wheels guided on steel rails maintain superior adhesion and generate minimal rolling resistance compared to rubber tires on pavement, enabling far more reliable and efficient land transportation.

By shifting excess heavy commercial vehicles off publicly funded highways, rail reduces pavement wear, lowers maintenance costs, minimizes closures, and improves overall road safety. Rail also maintains consistent operating performance under suboptimal road and weather conditions—including heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, snow events, vehicle incidents, and other disruptions that frequently impact Island highways.

Together, rail and trucking form a high-performance intermodal system in which goods move by train and transfer to trucks for delivery to locations not directly rail-served. The reverse also occurs—goods can be transferred from trucks to trains through a process known as transloading. This integration and proven partnership model—used throughout North America—delivers maximum cost-effectiveness, supply-chain resilience, and environmental benefit. On and off Vancouver Island, rail and road transport work best side by side, each doing what it does best.

How will rail benefit tourism?

Rail service will offer a scenic, convenient, and comfortable way for visitors to experience Vancouver Island. Seasonal tourist and excursion trains will link key attractions, cultural sites, historical communities, and natural landmarks—boosting local economies and encouraging longer visitor stays. Planned connections include cruise ship arrivals, resort destinations, major annual events, and other special occasions.

When does construction begin?

Construction will begin once corridor agreements are finalized, investment commitments are secured, and engineering and environmental assessments are complete. IRC is working with stakeholders to advance these steps. Restoration will be phased, with freight and passenger services introduced as sections are completed.

How will public safety be ensured?

Safety is a top priority. Measures include upgrading all level crossings with modern warning systems; installing signage, fencing, and grade separations where appropriate; running RailSmart public rail safety education campaigns across Island rail-served communities in partnership with municipalities, regional districts, schools, and law enforcement; and fully complying with all federal and provincial rail safety regulations.

What will run on the Island Railway?

Planned services include freight trains—primarily on the Port-to-Port (P2P) rail corridor between Port Alberni and Nanaimo—intercity passenger trains between Victoria, Nanaimo, and Courtenay, and higher-frequency commuter rail between Duncan, Langford, and Victoria. Additional services will include passenger trains on the P2P corridor and seasonal tourist and excursion trains connecting popular Island destinations. Together, these services will reduce congestion and improve safety on Island highways, cut emissions, and operate reliably in all weather conditions.

Will passenger trains replace buses?

Yes and No. Rail and buses are complementary parts of an integrated transportation system. Trains provide fast, reliable, all-weather service for longer-distance travel between communities, while buses offer flexible local connections, urban routing, and first-mile/last-mile access that rail cannot replace. A restored Island Rail system will also serve as a vital alternative during extended highway closures, ensuring passenger mobility when road networks are disrupted. Together, rail and buses create a more resilient, efficient, and dependable public transportation network for Vancouver Island.

However, on inter-regional and longer-distance bus routes that parallel the Island Rail Corridor, revitalized commuter and intercity heavy-rail services would likely replace those bus services, given the capacity, efficiency, and reliability advantages of rail. Similarly, in larger urban centres, light-rail transit (LRT) systems often replace rapid bus routes over time by providing higher-capacity rail-based mobility along major corridors. While this principle is widely recognized, urban LRT is outside the scope of IRC’s mandate, and LRT systems do not operate on heavy-rail corridors shared by freight, commuter, or intercity trains.

How active will the rebuilt railway be?

At capacity, multiple trains will be able to operate independently over all sections of a rebuilt and expanded Island Rail system each day. Service frequency will vary by region, with higher passenger volumes on the South Island and heavy freight traffic on the Port-to-Port corridor between Port Alberni and Nanaimo. Not all trains will run on a set schedule—meaning “any time is train time.” Track patrol and maintenance vehicles may also be present on or near the corridor at any time. Once fully operational, the increased rail activity will require adjustment for communities, given the railway’s long period of dormancy.

Is the Island Corridor private property?

This is a commonly misunderstood question. The land beneath the railway tracks is presently indirectly publicly owned by the people of Vancouver Island and managed in trust by ICF. However, the railway tracks themselves are private property, as they are an essential part of any active rail operation.

For the general public, the simple answer is yes—active railway tracks on Vancouver Island are private property. Trespassing can be legally enforced by the RCMP under the federal Railway Safety Act of Canada.

For safety and legal reasons, do not trespass on active tracks. Public use of designated trails or pathways within the Island Corridor right-of-way is permitted, provided there is clear separation from the tracks and appropriate signage indicating recreational use.

Why is Island Rail nationally important?

Revitalizing the IRC-driven Port-to-Port (P2P) corridor strengthens Canada’s global trade competitiveness and supports emerging Pacific partnerships. With Port Alberni’s terminals positioned as Canada’s closest deep-sea gateway to Mexico—circumventing the United States—and a full day closer to the Pacific Rim than congested Port of Vancouver facilities, with no vessel dwell time, a rail-linked modern western port significantly enhances national supply chain capacity and resilience. Combined with Vancouver Island’s Foreign Trade Zone status and abundant industrial land, the P2P rail corridor will unlock major economic and strategic benefits for both Vancouver Island and Canada as a whole.

Can rail serve as an emergency detour?

Yes! A rebuilt and active Island railway will provide a critical detour and continuity-of-service alternative during extended highway closures on restrictive, essential routes such as Highway 1 over the Malahat and at Ladysmith, Highway 19 at Nanoose, and Highway 4 along Cameron Lake and over the Alberni Summit. Rail can maintain both passenger and freight mobility when road networks are compromised in these key corridor choke points—ensuring that communities, goods, and emergency services remain connected when the Island needs it most.

How will the railway upgrades be funded?

IRC railway infrastructure upgrades will follow a Public-Private-First Nations Partnership (PPFP) model, funded by private sector investment, contributions from federal and provincial governments, and participation from Indigenous partners.

How will Island Rail impact the environment?

Restoring and modernizing the Island Rail Corridor will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting freight and passenger traffic from road to rail, which is 3–4 times more fuel-efficient per tonne-kilometre. IRC plans to integrate clean technologies such as hydrogen-powered locomotives, innovative solar solutions, and waste-to-fuel alternatives to further reduce the carbon footprint. Fewer trucks and cars on the road will also reduce congestion, improve air quality, and lower the need for costly road maintenance—benefiting both the environment and Island communities.

When can I ride and use the passenger train?

Once the Island Rail Corridor is fully rebuilt, IRC will offer a mix of passenger rail services, including intercity routes, higher-frequency commuter trains, and seasonal excursion or tourist operations. The launch timeline will depend on the completion of necessary infrastructure upgrades and meeting other operational requirements.

In the shorter term, IRC sees immediate potential for a hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot using Alstom, Stadler, or Siemens technology. This service would operate on the southern portion of the corridor, running from Victoria to a station near the Malahat SkyWalk, and later extend north to Nanaimo. With the consent of Indigenous communities and the support of municipal, regional, government, and tourism stakeholders, the private sector is prepared to assist with operations.

How will IRC provide accessibility for all riders?

Accessibility is a core design principle for IRC passenger services. Stations and trains will be built or upgraded to meet or exceed all accessibility standards, with features such as step-free boarding, wide doorways, accessible washrooms, and priority seating. Crews will be trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges, and IRC will collaborate with accessibility advocates and organizations to ensure the system is inclusive for all riders, including seniors and people with disabilities.

How does rail improve highway safety and costs?

Rail shifts excess heavy commercial vehicles off Island highways between ports and industrial locations directly served by rail, reducing pavement wear, lowering maintenance costs, and minimizing related disruptions. Fewer trucks on the road also improve safety for all drivers and reduce the frequency of accident-related closures. By providing an all-weather-reliable option for both freight and passengers, rail strengthens the entire transportation system’s efficiency, sustainability, and long-term resilience—delivering meaningful benefits to Island residents, visitors, and taxpayers.

Rail also maintains consistent operating performance under suboptimal road and weather conditions—including heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, snow events, vehicle incidents, and other disruptions that frequently impact Island highways—ensuring that goods and people can continue to move reliably when road networks are compromised.

How will so many railcars get on and off the Island?

As part of the Island Rail rebuild, IRC will establish a high-capacity rail–marine service to directly connect Vancouver Island with the North American rail network. This service will operate between identified Nanaimo and mainland rail–marine terminal locations using high-capacity vessels designed to carry full railcars. The vessels will run daily in both directions, enabling a bidirectional, direct rail link that allows loaded and empty cars to move seamlessly to and from the Island. This connection will integrate with Class I railway interchanges on the mainland, providing Island-based shippers and receivers with efficient, reliable access to domestic and international markets.

Will there be integration with other transport modes?

Yes. Modern passenger rail services on the Island will be fully integrated with other transportation modes, including BC Ferries, Hullo Ferries, airports, public and private bus routes, and active transportation pathways. Comprehensive freight rail services will provide end-to-end intermodal, transload, and interline solutions to ensure complete supply chain fluidity for customers. Together, these integrations will expand travel options for passengers, create more efficient freight connections, and make it easier for people and goods to move seamlessly across the Island and to or from mainland destinations. IRC’s goal is to build a rail network that connects communities while working in harmony with the Island’s broader transportation system.

Can the Island Railway assist during wildfire season?

Yes! Like CN, CP, UP, and BNSF, Island Rail Corporation (IRC) will operate a dedicated fire train during wildfire season. These trains — consisting of tank cars and specialized firefighting equipment — are highly effective because they can deliver large volumes of water and fire retardant directly where it’s needed, provided the wildfire is within reach of the railway.

In addition to emergency response, IRC will also take preventive measures, including deploying the fire train in advance of high-risk conditions and operating water-sprinkler cars within trains when the coastal fire risk is extreme.

IRC’s fire train will serve two key purposes:

Protecting rail assets and infrastructure to keep all trains — freight and passenger, cargo and people — moving safely and reliably during wildfire season.
Supporting the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) by using the rail right-of-way (ROW) as a potential fire break and deploying resources directly from the line.

Such an Island-based capability could have made a meaningful difference during events like the Cameron Lake (Wesley Ridge) fire, where a fire train might have helped stop the fire from advancing over the ridge — protecting rail infrastructure, reducing threats to nearby homes and structures, and potentially avoiding the evacuations that followed.

How can businesses become freight customers?

Businesses interested in moving goods by rail can connect directly with IRC’s freight development team to discuss shipping needs, routing options, and scheduling. The rebuilt Island Rail system will offer flexible solutions for a wide range of cargo types, including intermodal containers, bulk and breakbulk products, and dimensional loads. By using rail, businesses can lower transportation costs, improve efficiency and reliability, and meet sustainability goals—while accessing both domestic and international markets through Class I rail connections on the mainland.

How can the general public support IRC?

Community support is important to making revitalized Island Rail a reality. Members of the public can help by sharing accurate information, voicing support to elected officials, participating in public engagement opportunities, and encouraging local businesses and organizations to get involved. Individuals and community groups can also submit letters of support, attend open houses, and promote the benefits of a modern and equitable rail system—through social media and local networks—that IRC is working to deliver.

IRC welcomes all stakeholders on board in turning reconciliation into reconciliACTION.

Didn’t find your question or the clarification you needed? Please contact the IRC team ›