To the Editor,
We had the opportunity to ride on the 130th-anniversary Island train in Nanaimo. It was a totally awesome and fun day and we greatly appreciated being given the chance to be on this ride. We were both born and raised in Victoria and the E&N Dayliner was a big part of downtown Victoria.
When we moved to Ladysmith we took our children to Victoria on the Dayliner to visit relations. They were so excited and loved every moment on the trip. It now saddens us to think our own grandchildren and future generations will not be able to experience this adventure on Vancouver Island.
We strongly urge the RDN to reconsider reinstating the Dayliner service so both tourists and residents can enjoy the beauty that is not seen by driving the Malahat in a vehicle. The train is also important and essential as it keeps the Island communities connected.
Bill and Miriam RoseLadysmith
To the Editor,
My house backs onto the railway. I commonly see other people walking on it, it’s nice, no cars, and is quiet. I see the rail company has painted the road by the tracks ‘active railway, no trespassing.’ There has not been any trains for a couple years now. I do not understand why the RDN, the city of Nanaimo, provincial, and federal governments would consider giving the rail company any more money.
It would be far better to turn the railway into a path; it would get more use, and be of more benefit to the community.
Mike AmesNanaimo
To the Editor,
All these complaints about the cost of restoring a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly railroad and not a hint of a complaint of the $80 million being spent down near Victoria for just two intersections for automobiles.
Talk about a disparity in the miles for the dollar.
Rod HancockNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: It’s time for the Island to move on from rail, Opinion, April 19.
Canadian Pacific Railway who is answerable to shareholders are as deep in knowledge and expertise as any railroad in North America. All they could see down the rails on Vancouver Island was a bottomless pit of losses to come. There is no way to make money in freight or passenger service, just millions in losses to come and the CPR knew it.
So they dumped the rusty old rails on the Island Corridor Foundation, a group with no actual experience or knowledge about a railroad as they never worked on one. All the propaganda and pipe dreams the ICF puts out are not even close to reality and if the ICF is successful they will hang millions of dollars of losses on the new shareholders (the taxpayers).
What is really alarming is our elected officials that buy into and get hoodwinked with the propaganda. They need to get educated about the actual facts and figures from someone else but the ICF and that would end the charade.
R.G. BurnettNanaimo