The Cowichan Valley Regional District will be gathering input to help guide the future of the Island Rail Corridor with an online survey throughout September and an open house.
It continues a process that began in the spring.
The online survey starts Sept. 1 at and continues throughout the month. The open house will be held Sept. 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Charles Hoey Park, outside of the Cowichan Valley Museum.
The survey includes a question on what mode or modes of transportation the corridor should support, such as biking/hiking trails, freight service and passenger rail, and asks for opinions on what community needs should be focused on, like expanding economic development and tourism, supporting agriculture and enhancing natural areas.
Respondents will be anonymous.
The CVRD is one of five regional districts on the Island taking part in planning initiated by the province, and will be working with a group of consultants that has expertise in such areas as engineering, land-use planning and First Nations consultation.
Planning efforts will involve the provincial and federal governments, First Nations and the Island Corridor Foundation.
“We welcome this process of collaboration and consultation to help shape the future of the Island Rail Corridor, as it is a complex issue that affects everyone in our region,” said Aaron Stone, mayor of Ladysmith and chair of the CVRD board. “We look forward to hearing from residents and including their perspectives into the future vision for the corridor.”
The CVRD’s process will focus on portions of the rail corridor in the jurisdiction outside the reserve lands of Cowichan Tribes, the Halalt First Nation and the Stz’uminus First Nation.
A final report with recommendations will come out in early 2025.
