Dear editor,
Thank you (Mayor Jangula) for helping build our community. I appreciate your role as a long-time community member, and politician that is willing to work with many different groups. I voted for you.
I would like you to recognize the importance of the Rails to Trails project. When I first came to the Valley in the 1990s, to visit my brother Robin, an anesthetist at CR Hospital, I would take the E&N train. It took over five hours, because there are 240 uncontrolled railway crossings, so the train has to slow down at each one. Initially I thought that an upgrade to the trainline would be a good idea, until I remembered that the train was always empty. Somehow you cannot beg people to take public transit. Even the Island Link bus system is not full, despite being very efficient and cheap.
Thankfully we do not have a population base that would warrant a high speed train – nor could it ever happen without billions of dollars in repairs and upgrades. This would not be economically viable. There would not be any potential for this in the next 50 years, so I believe the best use of the space is to make it into a multi-use trail. This would bring in huge tourist potential – just like the Kettle Valley railway, which is known all over the world. The future may allow for coffee shops, camping areas, or hostels that would integrate the Vancouver Island Trail. Or partner with existing businesses such as hotels, and bicycle shops to increase exposure. Years ago, the city partnered with the Rotary club to make the trail near our house on 5th Street, and many families of two kids have used it lots. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see this public asset used as a multi-use trail, all the way to Nanaimo? It would allow many families to take trips together safely.
In summary, I want you to know that I support the removal of the track for a non-motorized multi-purpose trail. My family and friends are very excited by this possibility. Last Sunday, there was a 100 km Cycling tour for Women (Bella Bicyclette), and many of those women support the idea of a safe cycling corridor to Nanaimo.
I understand that there was a meeting between the Island Corridor Foundation and the Friends of Rails to Trails.
Good luck, and I hope that you can see the benefits to our community.
Mayor Jangula, I sincerely am grateful for the work that you do.
Sarah Henckel-Sutmoller
Courtenay