Rail With Trail FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions What is a Rail With Trail?
Why is the Rail With Trail being built?
When will it be built?
Who is involved in building the trail?
How much will it cost?
My property borders the corridor. How will this project affect me?
Is it safe to have a trail right beside the train tracks?
Are there other local examples of Rails With Trails?
Where can I learn more about Rails With Trails?
What is a Rail With Trail?
A Rail With Trail is a hard or gravel-surfaced non-motorized multi-use trail located within a rail corridor, often in close proximity to the rail tracks. They are common throughout North America. The trail in Courtenay will be constructed using a hard but pervious material that cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers will be able to use. The trail will be built along the E&N (Esquimalt and Nanaimo) rail corridor along the east side of the railroad tracks (the same side as the train station).
Back to top
Why is the Rail With Trail being built?
The Rail With Trail will provide a scenic, safe and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists beside the existing railroad tracks. This trail connection has been identified in the City of Courtenay’s Official Community Plan and the Comox Valley Regional District’s Parks and Greenways Strategic Plan as a valuable greenway connection.
The Island Corridor Foundation is the title-holder of all the land within the corridor and is actively working with all regional districts and municipalities bordering the corridor to develop similar projects. Their long-term goal is to have a trail that travels the length of the E&N rail corridor, also referred to as the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor (approximately 300 km).
Back to top
When will it be built?
The first phase of the trail will be built between 5th Street and Cumberland Road. Construction is scheduled between April and October 2011. The second phase would be from Cumberland Road to 17th Street. Planning for this phase will begin Fall 2011, with construction taking place in 2012. Future sections may continue further south; however no construction schedule or funding is in place at this time for those sections.
Back to top
Who is involved in building the trail?
The City of Courtenay is partnering with the Courtenay Rotary Club for the first phase of this project. Courtenay Rotary is fundraising for the section between 5th Street and Cumberland Road as well as contributing volunteer labour. The Island Corridor Foundation will oversee the project.
Back to top
How much will it cost?
The section between 5th Street and Cumberland Road is estimated to cost $100,000. Fundraising by Courtenay Rotary will hopefully offset a significant portion of this amount. The total cost from 5th Street to 17th Street is estimated at $200,000.
Back to top
My property borders the corridor. How will this project affect me?
The City is aware that private property owners adjacent to the corridor may be concerned with increased pedestrian and cycling traffic. The City will maintain as much native vegetation as possible to protect privacy and other landscaping treatments may be considered. The trail landscaping will receive regular maintenance by parks staff. Garbage bins will be provided and refuse collected, similar to other parks and greenways in the City. The City wants the Rail With Trail to have a positive effect on surrounding neighborhoods. Where graffiti is a problem on private property, the City may work with property owners to remove graffiti. Existing private vehicular access between 5th Street and Cumberland Road will be maintained.
Back to top
Is it safe to have a trail right beside the train tracks?
According to the Rails to Trails Conservancy, “despite fears that rails-with-trails expose users to greater danger by their proximity to active rail lines, rails-with-trails appear to be just as safe as other trails…. In fact, using a rail-with-trail may well be significantly safer than walking or cycling next to a busy main road and it may serve to keep people from walking on active rail tracks.” The City and residents have noted that the rail corridor is currently well used as an informal pedestrian path. The creation of a designated trail will make it safer for existing and new users within the corridor.
Back to top
Are there other local examples of Rails With Trails?
Other Rails With Trails have been built along the E&N rail corridor in Chemainus and Nanaimo. The Island Corridor Foundation is actively working with other local governments and regional districts bordering the corridor to develop similar projects. The City of Kelowna recently completed the first phase of a proposed 20-kilometer rail-with-trail project.
There are hundreds of other examples of Rails With Trails throughout North America, with more being added each year.
Back to top
Where can I learn more about Rails With Trails?
The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit organization whose vision is to “preserve and use the E&N Corridor, as one continuous corridor to connect and benefit all Island communities and First Nations along the corridor.” For more information on the ICF visit: www.islandrail.ca
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a U.S. non-profit organization. Their website contains a variety of information on rails with trails that can be applied to the Canadian context. For more information, visit: www.railstotrails.org
Back to top
Last Update : Friday, October 28, 2011