Linking to the mainland would not be cheap or easy, but making it happen only requires stepping out of the 20th century car-box. I propose an undersea tunnel with electrified rail (lack of ventilation would not allow for cars).

Cost: $30 billion and 15 years with upgrades to the E&N.

It would last generations, be earthquake-safe and would provide jobs without the constant pressures of fuel prices, maintenance and labour costs. Freight traffic would pay back taxpayers directly.

The key advantage of rail would be the elimination of the need for huge and farflung gathering points. People and goods could board anywhere the E&N is now, which means the vast majority of Islanders could walk or bus to a station with far less threat of waits due to weather or volume. They could connect to a Skytrain line on the mainland.

Like the Channel Tunnel, personal vehicles could be taken, too, but passengers and speed would be the focus.

Chris Alemany

Port Alberni