An agreement between VIA, Southern Rail and the Island Corridor Foundation for passenger rail serviceĀ on Vancouver Island is nearly finalized, and that’s supposed to free up money from local governments.
ButĀ Regional District of Nanaimo board member, and City Councillor Diane Brennan says a proposed amendment to their funding agreement could put money from provincial and federal governments in jeopardy
The change would require VIA to sign off on the track upgrades before the money is released.
Southern Rail has also raised concerns about the possible change… saying that because they own the tracks VIA doesn’t actually haveĀ the authorityĀ to approveĀ their safety.Ā The company also says theĀ BC Safety Authority has endorsed their plan for upgrades and confirmed the track will meet, orĀ exceed,Ā standards.
