Towards a Shared Corridor Vision
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is participating in a shared visioning process with the 14 First Nations and five regional districts that the Island Rail Corridor (the “Corridor”) runs through. This work is being supported by grant funding from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to enable the parties to undertake necessary studies and engage in short and long-term planning. The Corridor, extending 289 km across southern and central Vancouver Island, is owned and managed by the Island Corridor Foundation, which is also actively collaborating in this process.
This future Corridor planning is being undertaken through a reconciliation-based approach to ensure First Nations participation and perspectives. The CVRD is working closely with K’ómoks First Nation to consider a future vision for the section of the Corridor located within what is now known as the Comox Valley. This work will feed into the work and options considered for the other sections of the Corridor.
The CVRD recognizes that considerable study work has already been completed over the years and there exists a strong rationale and public support for both the restoration of rail service and conversion of the rail line to an active transportation trail. The CVRD has developed a workplan that is focused on the value and potential of the Corridor to the communities within the Comox Valley and the broad range of enhancement opportunities for transportation and non-transportation functions. In this regard, the visioning exercise is not intended to determine the sole function of the Corridor.
The CVRD engaged Urban Systems to undertake a background study and this was completed in the fall of 2024.
Comox Valley Island Rail Corridor Strategy - Background Study
The CVRD is now working on the next phases of the workplan which are expected to be concluded in the spring of 2025. Any project updates and/or releases will be posted to this webpage.
Project Contact
Jake Martens, General Manager of Corporate Services
T: 250-334-6029
Email: Corporate Services