When BC Premier John Horgan declared trains were not the future of the old E&N rail line, buses were -- it seemed efforts to make trains part of the region's traffic solutions had been derailed.
But the Island Corridor Foundation has a new CEO, and is holding town hall meetings to "talk rail" and Larry Stevenson says it's clear people are frustrated, want options, and are tired of waiting.
With a brand new leader in place the group is holding town hall meetings to "talk rail" and update the public on what has been happening with the Corridor.
New CEO Larry Stevenson started August 1st and says public engagement is key:
" We needed to get out in front of the public and let them know that we are very much active. I understand there were issues in the past, we are trying to be a little more forthcoming. And you know the first step in that, I think, is getting in front of people and letting them know what's happening."
Stevenson calls the E&N the "most studied piece of rail" he's ever seen, adding it's time to develop a shared vision of what we wants:
" We have more studies than we know what to do with, and we get to a point of analysis paralysis to some extent. And you know, right now we are working with the province to try to come up with, okay "what is it you want?" You know, that's why we don't go to the town halls and present business cases, because that business case changes depending on what you want."
Stevenson says the appetite for getting trains running again is probably better now than it has been in a very long time, noting the region is only growing, people are frustrated, and want options.
Town Hall Meetings:
November 14 at Esquimalt's Archie Browning Centre in the Crowsnest Room located on the second floor. 7pm-9
November 19,in Nanaimo at the Coast Bastion Hotel - 11 Bastion Street. 7pm-9pm
November 22, in Parksville at the Beach Club Resort - 181 Beachside Dr. 7pm-9pm
November 28, in Port Alberni at the Best Western Plus Barclay - 4277 Stamp Avenue. 7pm-9pm