Study to examine potential rail restoration between Victoria West and Langford

A $500,000 PacifiCan contribution will support the Island Corridor Foundation’s examination of whether rail service could be restored between Victoria West and Langford. The funding comes through the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream.

Among the planned work are assessments of land use and the rail corridor, along with discussions involving communities and project partners.

The Island Corridor Foundation is undertaking the project with the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative and local governments. The Indigenous-led initiative is led by the Lekwungen Nations, comprising the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.

The study is expected to examine possible economic opportunities for the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and provide information for later decisions on passenger rail in the Capital Regional District. The regional district is contributing $523,100 to the work.

Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria, said: “Passenger rail has the potential to give residents a reliable way to move between the West Shore and Victoria while strengthening our regional economy and making better use of an existing transportation corridor.”

Barb Desjardins, Co-Chair, Island Corridor Foundation, said: “We are grateful for the federal government's support of this feasibility work, and for recognizing the value of exploring transportation solutions for our region.”

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, said the Province of British Columbia committed $18 million in 2023 for planning and engagement with Indigenous communities and regional districts. That commitment included $300,000 for technical planning.

PacifiCan says its Local Impact Stream will provide $136.3 million to communities across British Columbia over four years starting in 2026–27.