Regarding What could CN discontinuing its Sea to Sky Corridor line mean? [Published July 17].
Congratulations to MLA Jeremy Valeriote and MP Patrick Weiler for jumping on this issue immediately after CN’s public announcement of its discontinuance plans. Unfortunately, the provincial NDP government has been less than forthcoming about its plans, even though the Gordon Campbell government’s BCR Revitalization Agreement with CN, states that CN must notify the provincial government of its discontinuance plans before notifying the public or any other government authority. Thus, the provincial government knew the discontinuance was impending and has been mum on the issue. The agreement also allows the provincial government to sell the line to CN for $1. (bcrail_revitalization.pdf Article 3, Section 3.5, Clause (a)).
The one-year period before discontinuance allows time for concerned citizens, MLAs, MPs, regional districts, and First Nations to organize and create a way forward to save this important piece of B.C.’s infrastructure.
CN states there is no freight traffic on the sections being discontinued (Network Efficiencies | Who We Are | About CN | CN.ca Rail Line Discontinuance). However, it can be asked, how hard did CN try to build business, given its business model is based on very long trains carrying bulk commodities. A more nimble, entrepreneurial, local operator may be able to generate significant business to run a successful operation.
Those who suggest passenger operations are not justified because they require subsidization should be reminded that all passenger transportation is subsidized, including highways. The Victoria Transportation Policy Institute estimates B.C. subsidizes highway users to the tune of $800 per capita each year. (Transportation Expenditures Compared)
The BCR corridor is also an alternate rail route from the Interior to the coast, much as Highway 99 is for highway travel. Considering climate change-induced weather, fire, landslides, and other disasters, it is a valuable resiliency tool should the Fraser Canyon rail routes be shut down.
The current provincial government seems to have no interest in rail issues but is talking big on resource development, which was the rationale for the PGE/BCR/BC Rail’s construction (British Columbia Railway - Northern BC Archives). It is time to revisit that vision and create a rail corridor that British Columbians can be proud of.
Rick Jelfs
Secretary – Transport Action
British Columbia
Vancouver
