All 13 Mayors within the CRD sent a letter today to Premier John Horgan and Minister Claire Trevena to urge immediate action to get the train running between Langford and Victoria on the E&N rail line.
Once this priority is addressed, the Mayors recommend a phased approach for the rest of the line on Vancouver Island that honours the wishes of First Nations along the corridor. At an E&N stakeholder meeting in December 2018, participants expressed overwhelming support for rail use of the corridor to ease traffic congestion and boost economic development.
The Mayors also called for completion of Bus Rapid Transit lanes to the Westshore without delay, noting that the portions completed are already decreasing travel times and being lauded as a success by the public.
The Mayors are urging the Province to commit to these projects in the February budget.
Quotes:
Mayor David Screech, View Royal, “The E&N corridor is a significant transportation corridor for the region and Vancouver Island. We must begin to make the necessary and long overdue investments in this corridor.”
Mayor Fred Haynes, District of Saanich, “The impacts of inadequate transportation infrastructure on the Langford to Victoria corridor are dramatic. It negatively impacts our quality of life, reduces family time, damages the performance of our economy and adds to GHG emissions. Provincial leadership is respectfully called for.”
Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith, Sidney; Mayor Geoff Orr, North Saanich; Mayor Ryan Windsor, Central Saanich, “The movement of people and goods along the Westshore to Victoria corridor during peak hours is significantly compromised which leads to long commutes, frustration and reduced quality of life. A portion of those held up in traffic are heading to work on the Peninsula. This is a regional concern that requires immediate Provincial attention and action.
“The Pat Bay Highway corridor from Victoria to the BC Ferries’ Swartz Bay terminal and Victoria International Airport is another well-travelled route that will benefit from the proposed longer term Provincial South Island transportation strategy. Safety improvements for level grade crossings are long overdue and enhanced public transit to the airport and the west Sidney industrial area are necessary to adequately service airline passengers and the robust commercial and industrial businesses situated in the area.”