A commentary by a Courtenay resident.
As we all know, the date fast approaches for the very important decision to be made on the the rail corridor. We stand to lose this vital link up and down the Island.
I see the economic benefits of revitalizing this rail line too large to lose.
As density and growth continue all over the Island, so does the production of waste, household, construction, green, and kitchen.
Currently the model used is landfill and cover. The dumps are going to reach capacity in a short time all over the island. Sure, we could dig bigger holes and keep this up, but to what avail?
Now imagine, a central up-Island, up-to-date garbage processing facility. I see a location somewhere north of Parksville.
Special capacity cars would be loaded on sidings and then made into freights, that would be hauled in the off times, typically night moves.
Once processing at the facility is complete to the first phase, such as plastic into pellets, drywall powder cleaned of paper and fasteners, glass crushed, steel compacted for transport, train cars will be re-loaded and taken to a dock for barging for further processing on the mainland, wherever.
There are high-heat burning options, where scrubbing exhaust is state-of-the-art, with no toxic output. The heat would be used to generate steam to then produce power for the operation, and excess to be shared with the grid. A totally self-sufficient system.
The list of benefits is extensive for all residents in communities on Vancouver Island.
Landfill is just so archaic a method of dealing with the growth of waste. Pardon to the trucking industries, as some loss of work will ensue, but hey, there will just be different jobs for some.
The saving of fuel, tires, and the endless beating of the road infrastructures, would surely be a good thing. Less truck traffic, less congestion, how is this not an improvement?
Now, back to the rails.
After the rail is improved to handle the new trains, spurs are constructed at various collection points, where the waste needs to be loaded uninterrupted. As trains move north, cars are added to their final destination.
As aforementioned, freights travel at night, or at controlled intervals, to, allow for commuter rail.
People moving up and down the Island, efficiently and comfortably, in typically daylight hours, or when the system allows for passing.
Another plus would be tourist trains, Victoria north to stops at Duncan, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, and even to Port Alberni, for connections to the west coast. People flock all over the world, especially the U.S. for rail destinations, bookings made years into the future.
A modern-day solution for making the economic case for rail in this century and beyond. Freight and commuter traffic working in communion!
Sure, there would need to be many partners to achieve this goal, but with good intentions, intelligence and the moxy to make things happen, this is achievable.
A look at history reveals CP Rail making lots of money with sweet real estate deals and freight service revenue. Via Rail could be used for their rail experience too.
It’s time to collect on some the favours that were given to these corporations over time. Dare I mention the phrase “in perpetuity” that was in contracts of past users of the existing corridor?
Respectfully submitted with the intention of sparking new ideas and creating solutions for a modern Vancouver Island, now, and for future generations. Let’s get this right!
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