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New engineer named for rail revival efforts
Nanaimo News Bulletin
A railway advocacy group is betting heavily on its new executive director – and his government contacts – to get the E&N Railway back up to speed.
Graham Bruce, a former Liberal MLA and cabinet minister, was named to the Island Corridor Foundation’s top spot after beating out dozens of other hopefuls.
“In my opinion he was the best choice out of 57 candidates, including me,” said ICF director Jack Peake.
“It really is exciting news. To me this gets us back on the track, so to speak, and moving forward.”
Outgoing executive director Doug Backhouse said the timing was right to step down.
“The idea [of a revitalized E&N] has grown and gained enough momentum that the board and I realized it was time to move to the next level,” he said.
“I’m totally and completely pleased with the tremendous amount of interest [of applicants for the executive director’s job] and I think it’s just fabulous that Graham has stepped forward.”
The ICF has been at the forefront of a move to get the E&N rail moving again with improved passenger and freight cars.
The problem is the ICF estimates $103 million is needed to upgrade the line, which has fallen into disrepair over the years.
The foundation pledged one-third of the cash with the hope the feds and the province would pledge equal amounts.
At one time the federal government said it would provide one-third of the cost, as long as the province matched the funds.
In January 2008 Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon unveiled a $14-billion public transit plan to be completed by 2020.
Touted as “a key measure” in the province’s greenhouse gas reduction plan, the plan was meant to touch every region of the province.
And there lies the rub, said Peake.
Despite all attempts to get Campbell’s Liberals aboard the E&N restoration, so far nothing has happened.
And without dollars from the province, the E&N project cannot move forward.
“The story we’ve always heard from the feds is there is money out there, it’s available and it fits the criteria under which we’re seeking to be funded,” said Peake.
“The key component in this is to have the province convinced and have them come forward with support for the project and put funds in.”
There are currently a pair of provincial studies taking place — one looking into the E&N as a viable business model that would include, transit service, commuter service, freight and excursion opportunities — that will help determine the future of rail on the island.
The hope is Bruce’s presence with the ICF will be looked at in a positive light.
Once one of the most powerful men in the Liberal caucus, the ICF believes some of Bruce’s Liberal relationships are still good.
“We believe his connections are still there,” said Peake.
“He’ll be a great executive director and a strong lobby tool for us.”
Bruce, a former Minister of Labour, and Municipal Affairs and mayor of North Cowichan, said there is a critical time line to get the plans completed and the investment funding secured.
“There are several very interesting rail initiatives that could provide needed economic and job opportunities for the Island economy,” he said in a release.
“There is also growing interest and development in an Island corridor of trails … all of this combined makes for a truly unique and dynamic Island initiative.”
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
ICF names Graham Bruce as head
New executive director is excited about exploring various options for better rail service on Vancouver Island
By Walter Cordery, The Daily NewsJune 6, 2009
The new executive director of the Island Corridor Foundation says it's time to explore better rail links between Island communities and Nanaimo is perfectly placed to benefit from improved rail service.
"There are several very interesting rail initiatives that could provide needed economic and job opportunities for the Island economy," said Graham Bruce. "We definitely want to explore better rail service to Nanaimo because it is becoming much more vibrant. And with the conference centre and proposed cruise ship pier, I see no reason why Nanaimo's economy, and that of the rest of the mid-Island, wouldn't benefit from better rail links to the rest of the Island."
The Island Corridor Foundation named Bruce its new executive director on Thursday.
Bruce was mayor of North Cowichan from 1979 to 1987 and then served as a cabinet minister for both Social Credit and the Gordon Campbell Liberals. He replaces Nanaimo's Doug Backhouse, who wanted to leave the executive director's position to concentrate more time on other business interests.
In making the announcement, ICF co-chairwoman Mary Ashley said the board was pleased to have Bruce's executive leadership to help take the foundation to its next level of development.
"We are certainly sorry to see Doug (Backhouse) go, he did a lot of fantastic legwork for the foundation," said Ashley. "But we are also delighted to have someone with Graham's links to the provincial government step in as executive director.
"Doug has been a strong builder and organizer for us and a true believer in the future of this corridor. He will continue to be involved. However he had encouraged the board to find a new executive director that would bring different skill sets necessary for the next phase of maintaining and improving rail service on Vancouver Island."
Bruce brings with him a track record of getting things done, said Ashley.
"I think it will be very helpful for us to have Graham on board."
A past director of the Chemainus and District Credit Union, Bruce is considered instrumental in helping in the rejuvenation of that community.
"Graham brings to the foundation his extensive experience with all levels of government and relationships and experience with coastal First Nations. He has a long history of Island involvement that can bring the necessary focus to secure the infrastructure funding that is needed," said Judith Sayers, the other co-chairwoman of the ICF.
The Foundation is the owner of the E&N Rail corridor running from Victoria to Courtenay and Parksville to Port Alberni. It is made up of First Nations and regional districts that the corridor passes through.
"There has been a lot of discussion about what the E&N or Island Corridor Foundation will realistically be able to provide Vancouver Islanders," said Bruce "and I'm excited to have the opportunity to be involved with this far-sighted organization."
There are two studies underway that will develop the business case for ongoing rail service on Vancouver Island.
Bruce said one is being conducted by B.C. Transit "to see if it is feasible to incorporate the southern section of the E&N into the capital region's transit plans."
He said he hopes transit doesn't focus only on Victoria and the western communities "as I know that there are a tremendous number of people who commute from Duncan to Victoria daily and the E&N would be perfect for them."
B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation has started research and development of a viable business model that would include, transit service, commuter service, freight and excursion opportunities.
WCordery@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4237
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