Island Rail Redefined.
Connecting Communities,
Cultures, and Commerce.
Island Rail Redefined.
Connecting Communities,
Cultures, and Commerce.
Island Rail Corporation
Island Rail Corporation (IRC) is a privately held, Indigenous-led company uniting local, national, and international stakeholders to realize Vancouver Island’s vision of rebuilding the Island Rail Corridor for future generations—within a framework of true partnership and reconciliation with First Nations. At the intersection of transportation innovation, reconciliation, and economic opportunity, IRC collaborates with First Nations, local governments, the private sector, and transportation authorities to redevelop the corridor for heavy freight, passenger, and tourism rail services.
Vancouver Island’s population is projected to surpass one million residents in the coming years, increasing demand for safe, efficient, all-weather-reliable, and sustainable transportation—capacity that only rail can provide. Rail offers a proven, low-carbon alternative to worsening highway congestion, aligns with B.C.’s and Canada’s climate commitments, and unlocks significant economic opportunity through national trade, tourism, and improved freight and passenger mobility. Rail also reduces highway maintenance and repair costs, minimizes traffic disruptions, improves overall road safety, and strengthens system-wide resilience—delivering tangible benefits to Island residents, visiting motorists, and taxpayers. Importantly, a restored rail corridor will also provide a critical detour and continuity-of-service alternative during extended highway closures on essential routes such as the Malahat and Cameron Lake—maintaining mobility for both passengers and freight when the Island needs it most.
Rebuilding Vancouver Island’s rail system is not just a local priority—it is a matter of national importance. IRC is advancing a modern rail network that strengthens Canada’s global trade competitiveness and connects emerging Pacific partnerships. Port Alberni is Canada’s closest deep-sea gateway to Mexico—routing around the continental United States—and is a full day closer to the Pacific Rim than the Port of Vancouver, without lengthy ship dwell time. Combined with Vancouver Island’s Foreign Trade Zone status and ample industrial land across the Island, a rail-linked Port Alberni offers a unique opportunity to enhance national supply chain resilience, expand sustainable trade growth, and unlock new dimensions of local, provincial, and national economic security and prosperity.
Working closely with stakeholders, the IRC team has cultivated strong private-sector interest in the return of freight rail service to Vancouver Island—with commuter and intercity passenger service emerging as a complementary, yet essential, benefit of this revenue-generating freight-led model. IRC has established relationships with key businesses and organizations along and beyond the rail corridor that stand to benefit from a modern, efficient, reliable, and sustainable Island rail system.
IRC is advancing a bold, forward-looking vision for a multi-modal transportation network that connects communities, reduces environmental impact, and fosters equitable economic development. IRC is committed to reducing Island highway congestion and improving all-weather regional transportation safety and reliability—capabilities achievable only through rail—while re-establishing rail as a clean, cost-effective alternative for moving both people and goods across and beyond the Island.
With a growing network of identified stakeholders and aligned partners, IRC is working to deliver a Port-to-Port (P2P) heavy freight rail corridor linking Vancouver Island’s west and east coast ports—from Port Alberni to Nanaimo—and establishing a vital rail connection to the Lower Mainland. Bidirectional rail service through Nanaimo terminals will link with Class I railway interchanges and the broader North American rail network via an integrated high-capacity rail-marine service. Expanded port facilities at Port Alberni will accommodate increased domestic and international freight volumes, easing pressure on mainland terminals while unlocking expanded Pacific Rim trade capacity.
The system will also deliver regional freight service to Island businesses, direct rail access for industrial operators, and integrated intermodal and transload logistics solutions aligned with Vancouver Island’s Foreign Trade Zone designation. As a byproduct of the freight-led model, IRC supports the phased return of intercity passenger service between Victoria, Nanaimo, and Courtenay, as well as on the P2P corridor, alongside higher-frequency commuter service between Duncan, Langford, and Victoria. Seasonal tourism rail services are also envisioned between key Island destinations to strengthen the Island’s visitor economy.
Looking ahead, IRC is exploring service and infrastructure extensions beyond the existing corridor to reach additional Island communities not currently rail-served—further strengthening regional connectivity and long-term opportunity.
Led by a diverse and experienced leadership team—including Indigenous business professionals and veteran rail industry executives—IRC is laying the foundation for a once-in-a-generation infrastructure renewal. This effort honours the land, empowers communities, and drives sustainable growth for Vancouver Island and beyond. Island Rail Corporation is uniquely positioned to deliver a rail solution that connects communities, cultures, and commerce—reflecting the Island’s values and building a prosperous future for generations to come.
To deliver practical, sustainable rail solutions for Vancouver Island by collaborating with all directly affected communities—and, most importantly, helping to “right a historic wrong” through meaningful partnership with First Nations. We achieve this by applying the most experienced people, proven processes, and advanced technologies.
To be a national model for innovation in rail by leading with Indigenous partnership, integrating green technologies, and deploying modern data and information systems—while delivering lasting value to Vancouver Island and its communities.
These values guide our actions and define the behaviours essential to our success:
IMPECCABILITY — We speak and act with integrity, earning trust through principled leadership.
RESPECT — We care deeply for our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.
ACCOUNTABILITY — We honour our commitments and deliver on our responsibilities.
LEADERSHIP — We anticipate industry needs and lead with clarity, knowledge, and vision.
CO-OPERATION — We listen, learn, and build collaborative relationships that create shared outcomes.
INNOVATION — We think entrepreneurially and develop creative, compliant, forward-looking solutions.
RECONCILIATION — We build respectful, trust-based partnerships with First Nations.
SUSTAINABILITY — We implement clean alternatives and support the long-term wellbeing of the Island’s people, land, and waters.
FIRST NATIONS
FIRST NATIONS
Island Rail Corporation recognizes the central role of First Nations in shaping the economic, social, and environmental future of Vancouver Island. From its inception, IRC has been committed to partnering with Indigenous Nations in a meaningful and lasting way.
IRC strongly supports the return of unceded corridor lands to the affected First Nations and believes these communities must be foundational partners—sharing directly in the benefits and stewardship of a revitalized rail system. This Indigenous-led vision reflects a modern, sustainable, high-capacity transportation network that respects the land, honours cultural relationships, and creates long-term prosperity for the next seven generations.
Working together, First Nations along the corridor have the opportunity to participate in a modern, green transportation system that connects communities and supports regional trade across Vancouver Island and beyond. This revitalized system will meet and exceed social, environmental, and economic goals—and stand as a national model for rail redevelopment grounded in partnership and reconciliation.
IRC also acknowledges the need to resolve outstanding questions regarding the unceded lands currently under the Island Corridor Foundation. We support efforts to advance this resolution and believe that rebuilding Island Rail presents a unique opportunity for First Nations to realize their vision for socio-economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural renewal.
Reconciliation is not an afterthought—it is a priority. IRC is committed to supporting First Nations as majority owners and partners within a privately held, Indigenous-led corporate framework.
INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP COMMUNITY PROSPERITY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NEXT SEVEN GENERATIONS
OUR MANDATE
OUR MANDATE
Restore, revitalize, and enhance all rail infrastructure on Vancouver Island as the backbone of a modern, reliable, multi-modal transportation system.
Enable port-to-port freight, passenger mobility, tourism services, and intermodal/transload operations for local, national, and international cargo.
Foster a broad coalition of partners—including governments, Indigenous communities, and private sector entities—to collaboratively support the delivery of Island Rail.
Advance projects in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner, reducing GHG emissions, easing highway congestion, and improving transportation reliability.
Build strong, lasting support across the private sector, Indigenous leadership, and political stakeholders to ensure shared, equitable ownership and long-term viability.
Integrate rail with trucking, ferry, air, and marine shipping networks to support a seamless Island-to-continent transportation system.
PORT ALBERNI DEEPWATER TERMINALS
IRC has identified significant freight opportunities centred around Port Alberni’s industrial base and the expansion of its port terminals—laying the foundation for a modern, rail-linked, federally designated western port.
Rail will play a vital role in diverting heavy commercial vehicle traffic off Vancouver Island’s constrained and capacity-limited highways, particularly Highways 4 and 19 between Port Alberni and Duke Point. By shifting freight to rail, goods move reliably in all weather conditions, avoid excess handling, reduce product loss or damage, and deliver tangible economic, safety, and environmental benefits. Rail also lowers highway maintenance and repair costs, minimizes related disruptions, improves overall road safety, and enhances system-wide resilience—benefiting Island residents, visiting drivers, and taxpayers.
A revitalized rail-linked deepwater port in Port Alberni will be capable of handling goods from Canadian, Mexican, American, and other Pacific Rim markets—while relieving pressure on congested mainland ports. IRC will transport these goods via a modern, bidirectional rail corridor directly connecting Port Alberni to Class I railway interchanges on the mainland, unlocking seamless access to the North American supply chain and opening new trade capacity for the Pacific Rim.
These advantages form the foundation for a rail-enabled deepwater port that unlocks the full potential of Vancouver Island’s Pacific trade position.
STRATEGIC RAIL-PORT ADVANTAGES
Reduces handling requirements and lowers the risk of product loss, damage, or contamination during transload operations.
Moves 2–4× more product per carload through high-capacity rail-marine integration—improving efficiency and lowering per-unit transportation costs.
Ensures reliable, safe, all-weather transportation for freight (and passengers), avoiding disruptions common to road-dependent logistics.
Reduces vessel dwell time at congested western ports, enabling faster loading/unloading and improving overall supply chain performance.
Accelerates vessel turnaround and eases marine congestion at mainland terminals by shifting cargo routing from overburdened ports.
Avoids navigational risks and inefficiencies associated with West Coast short sea shipping (SSS) by favouring a rail-marine through-corridor.
Connects directly with Class I railway interchanges, providing seamless access to domestic and international North American markets.
Expands critical freight capacity and supports continued growth within Vancouver Island’s federally designated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).
Reduces heavy commercial vehicle traffic on Island highways, improving road safety, lowering maintenance and repair costs, and benefiting taxpayers.
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by moving more product with less fuel, reducing truck movements, and minimizing idle vessel time.
Enables enhanced passenger and tourism rail services—economic and community benefits made possible as a byproduct of the freight-led model.
FOREIGN TRADE ZONE
Vancouver Island is designated as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), offering major advantages for local, provincial, national, and international shippers. A direct rail link—delivered by IRC—between Island ports and the North American rail network will be essential to maximizing these benefits, enabling seamless, efficient, and cost-effective end-to-end shipping solutions that support economic growth on Vancouver Island, across British Columbia, and throughout Canada.
IRC is a member of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) and an active contributor to the Island’s FTZ working committee. Rebuilding Island Rail will further strengthen the region’s FTZ competitiveness while supporting Canada’s Net Zero commitments and advancing clean, environmentally responsible trade.
Video courtesy of Port Alberni Port Authority
ISLAND RAIL STAKEHOLDERS
Island Rail Corporation is actively engaging private sector companies, Indigenous communities, and organizations that bring valuable expertise and resources to the table. These stakeholders both contribute to—and stand to benefit from—the environmental, economic, and logistical advantages of a modernized rail system.
Many stakeholders support the original mandate of the Island Corridor Foundation to preserve the corridor for rail use and recognize that the lands are unceded Indigenous territory. Resolving the associated land questions—within an Indigenous-led corporate framework—is essential to moving forward responsibly and securing long-term prosperity for the next seven generations.
IRC is proud to support First Nations leadership in this process and believes that rebuilding the railway will help Indigenous communities realize their goals for socio-economic development, environmental stewardship, and sustainable prosperity—benefiting all residents of Vancouver Island.
Photo of invitees does not reflect support of all parties shown
PASSENGER PILOT PROJECT
PASSENGER PILOT PROJECT
Island Rail Corporation, along with representatives from TransLink, the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the National Research Council, and Stewart Group Consulting, participated in an exclusive visit to Alstom’s hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot project in Quebec.
The opportunity to witness this clean, modern technology firsthand—and to envision its application on Vancouver Island—was compelling. The scenic Quebec corridor demonstrated the system’s performance, but IRC believes the potential impact on the Island is even greater. With its coastal landscapes, tourism destinations, and community-connected geography, Vancouver Island is ideally suited for passenger rail that advances environmental, tourism, and transportation goals simultaneously.
IRC sees immediate potential for a hydrogen-powered pilot service between Victoria and Nanaimo, beginning with an initial phase to the Malahat SkyWalk attraction. With the consent and participation of Indigenous communities—and support from municipal, regional, and tourism partners—the private sector stands ready to assist with investment and operations.
This pilot represents an important step toward restoring modern passenger rail to Vancouver Island.
Video courtesy of Alstom (Americas Region)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There has been confusion and misinformation about the Island Rail Corridor over the years. Our full FAQ provides clear, factual answers, addresses common misconceptions, and outlines IRC’s position on key issues.
Interested in Partnering with or Contacting IRC?
If you’d like to learn more about our vision for rail on Vancouver Island—and the benefits it can bring to Indigenous communities and all Islanders—please reach out to the Island Rail Corporation team via our Contact Page at islandrailcorp.com/contact
IRC welcomes all stakeholders on board in turning reconciliation into reconciliACTION.