What do New Flyer, Lion Electric, National Steel, Bombardier, and Alstom have in common? They are Canadian companies potentially ready to plan, build and install the Sea to Sky Commuter Rail Line.
This green and environmentally positive concept might have momentum. Canada is seeking projects to engage new levels of national and regional economic growth.
The Sea to Sky needs other forms of transportation beyond the increasingly busy highway. The Earth needs smarter ideas. How often does serendipity happen? It could be happening now as CN Rail’s plan calls for the decommissioning of its rail line north of Squamish.
MP Patrick Weiler and MLA Jeremy Valeriote have voiced support for a review of commuter service.
In earlier times, passenger rail was a splendid way to travel. Canada did an amazing job of building the CPR and the CNR in the past, but the gas engine industry prevailed.
Today, there is a stronger sense of building sustainable public transportation.
The companies mentioned are thirsty for projects that engage the public and private sectors. They are Canadian, and at last count, Canada has steel and aluminum, and copper and goodness knows what else can go into the building of a Sea to Sky commuter. The Budd car was an attempt to catch the last of the passenger traffic. Now, think of rail vehicles like the articulated buses that ply city streets.
The government continues to fund the highways; all the while bemoaning the cost of repairs, upgrades, policing, accident response and the pollution they bring. What would it look like if some of that funding went to local commuter rail?
Speaking of funding, the ICBC budget might kick-start the pilot research study. BC Ferries started as a government enterprise and has morphed into a semi-private entity. The government did the early heavy lifting to get it underway.
The government is not in the ferry business, so the private sector will need to engage in a rail solution. European trains as private corporations, compete successfully. If you have travelled by rail in Europe, you must have asked the question—why can’t Canada have such amazing trains? We can. We just need to do it.
Central Canada also needs fast rail.
However, that is a massive undertaking. Better a pilot project here to work out the wrinkles before tackling that big one. There is no better place than the Sea to Sky to undertake a pilot project of this nature. Mentioning nature, think of the plus side with electrified rail instead of diesel and gas engines. Mentioning Nature again, think of the magnificent scenic beauty of sitting in a sky view coach without concentrating on the highway—
'Howe Sound' is that idea?
Sounds easy, right? No, it is not. It is a complex undertaking that will require excellent leadership, intensive discussions, careful planning, and amazing implementation.
This requires a shared vision of a preferred future that is in harmony with the Earth and what is better for people.
How can this become a reality?
Now, Squamish planning needs to consider the location for the commuter stations.
Larry Murray
Squamish
