A coalition with a vision to dynamically transform the way Vancouver Islanders live, work and play in their communities. We envision Vancouver Island being a safe, progressive, environmentally sensitive, energy self sufficient and life‐sustaining place for all its inhabitants.
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We are pleased to report that ICF and Southern Rail are working on the E&N line while awaiting the final agreement signatures (VIA in particular, then the CRDs).
Here at Esquimalt where ties are being replaced at the junction of the Naden spur. Oct 2013.
The FILM, as presented by Dr. Linda Savory at the University of Victoria, on Thursday 6 June 2013 at 7 pm, was well attended and appreciated.
"De-Railed: The National Dream" is a 70 minute documentary by independent film-maker, Dan Nystedt, that examines the crumbling state of the Canadian railway system. In light of the current negotiations to re-start VIA Rail's E&N service, this film screening was very timely.
A 4 minute trailer for the film can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1tdJ6q7jYg
If anyone wishes to purchase a copy, they are now available from IslandTransformations.Org @ $20 ea. Every high school history class should know the mistakes that have been made in national and provincial decisions about transportation economics and sustainability.
Please join ITO and other organizations now striving to correct those errors in long term transportation options and infrastructure for Vancouver Island.
Other jurisdictions are getting great provincial support:
To collaborate with others to connect the following ideas
By developing proposals based on these interconnected ideas, IslandTransformations.Org will provide individuals, organizations and governments the tools and resources required to meet the challenges of climate change and the end of cheap oil.
Imagine! Victoria's Government Street with light rail and pedestrians only.
Our Vision:
Our Major Problem - NOW
Malahat Congestion
The road ahead for the Malahat
Rob Shaw / Colonist, July 14, 2013
Effort to resume E&N passenger rail service gets support from B.C. minister
Rob Shaw / Colonist, July 22, 2013
ITO Comment: Good news on 22 July, but that does little to solve the Malahat congestion until 2015; so, mitigation of that problem still needs the attention of all CRD Councils and the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.
Responses and Proposed Solutions: (attached pdf file)
also: Turn E&N into fast transit system by Bob Trotter, 27 July 2013
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Recent negatives for Victoria CRD:
A sad day in the history of the E&N
Old Blue Bridge www.youtube.com
The Bills - Old Blue Bridge From the Album: "LET EM RUN" 2004/2005 Borealis/Red House Records Directed by Mark Tuit, Produced by Adrian Cox.
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Note how Portland manages Regional Transit
Transit Investment Plan
A roadmap for TriMet's transportation investments
TriMet's Transit Investment Plan (TIP) is a roadmap for how we provide transit service to meet the needs of our growing region.
The plan is revised each year based on input from jurisdictional and community partners and the general public, and TriMet Board meetings. (View their Executive Summary)
CRD, that Plan could be adapted!! Let's make that our objective in 2013!
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Louis Guilbault's evaluation of the VRRT estimates of rail construction costs prompted him to research and then write the editor of the Victoria Times to state his concern that the costs exceeded that of other equivalent projects by $30 M per kilometer of track. His letter was published in the last week of May and his research facts are now available here in printable format. And updated here.
You be the judge. If also concerned, please let your Councillor or Mayor know.
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Challenge your CRD Councillors now and, to find out who those are and what issues they support;
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