Recently I brought to the attention of Teunis Westbroek, Mayor of Qualicum Beach, that the additional $945,000 contributed by the municipalities along the E&N railway towards restoration was committed, in return for resumption of daily rail service.
It would appear there is some indication that the powers involved are trying to establish a somewhat reduced service from Nanaimo, encompassing Victoria to Courtney. This is totally unacceptable, as all debate leading to this funding was based on daily service being restored.
In the event that a limited service plan is proposed, it is then incumbent upon the respective contributing communities, to withdraw this support and demand from the RDN immediate return of these funds.
For the record I personally believe that the costs far outweigh the potential benefits and the railway should not resume service at this time.
I further believe that regardless of which side you stand on the issue of resumption, the real problem is the Island Corridor Foundation and its management. They have accomplished nothing over the past 10 years other than allow the railway to fall into disrepair all the while receiving substantial personal benefits.
Jim BergotQualicum Beach