Who we are
What is the NRRT?
The NRRT is a partnership of various community groups interested in moving the E&N Rail trail forward. Presently, the Partnership is comprised of the Downtown Business Improvement Association (DNBIA), Tourism Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo, The City of Nanaimo, Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition (GNCC), and the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). We are also in discussion with other groups about supporting the partnership and will update you as new partners join.
The Partnership is currently lead by an interim executive including Andre Sullivan as the Chair (DNBIA), David Grey and Vice Chair (GNCC), Tim Mawdsley as Treasurer, Tamera Rogers is helping with events, Kimberly Krieger is managing our communication and Elizabeth Williams as Secretary (City of Nanaimo). The Volunteers can be contacted by e-mailing info@nanaimoregionrailtrail.ca.
The Backstory
Over the past few quarters representatives from the City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, Regional District of Nanaimo, Tourism Nanaimo, the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Trans Canada Trails, Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition and Vancouver Island University have been meeting to discuss an expanded trail network. It was decided that:
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We would focus our efforts to complete the E&N trail.
- We would form a partnership under the Island Corridor Foundation; much like what was done for the restorations of the Nanaimo Train Station.
- Fundraise
- Solicit in-kind donations from the community
- Build public awareness and support
- Leverage funds from all levels of Government
- Seek grant opportunities
- Determine priority sections of trail as we expand
In the fall of 2013 we began to work with the Island Corridor Foundation and they have setup an in-trust account which is released when plans are in place to build a section of trail. Donations can be earmarked to specific sections or donated to the top priority section of trail as determined by the partnership.
Who is the ICF?
The Island Corridor Foundation is a non-profit society incorporated in 2003 under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act, and registered as a charity under the Income Tax Act in December, 2004. The ICF is a partnership between First Nations and local Governments which own the rail corridor between Victoria and Comox and out to Port Alberni. The Board is composed of 12 Directors; 5 from First Nations and 5 from Regional Districts, as well as 2 at-large members. The purpose of the ICF is to acquire, preserve and develop the Island Corridor which lies North-South from Victoria to Courtenay and East-West from Nanaimo to Port Alberni. Besides rail, the objectives of the Foundation include creating trails, parks, gardens, greenways and other public areas for the use of members of the public along the length of the Island Corridor. The ICF’s main office is in Nanaimo located on the Port Authority Lands at Assembly Wharf.
The Rail Trail's Current Status (E&N Trail)
The City of Nanaimo has completed about 8 km about half of the proposed “Rail Trail”. Currently it runs from about North Nanaimo Town Center to the southern tip of Terminal Park Mall. Over the last 10 years progress on the trail has slowed as the budget tightened and trails within parks were in need of upgrades. With the rebuild of the Nanaimo train station, the City built its first block of trail in many years which was built between Franklin Street and Fitzwilliam Street. Basic engineering and costing has been completed for most of the corridor and more detailed engineering has begun on some sections in the Old City Quarter. Our fundraising campaign is now underway with large donations from Tourism Nanaimo, The Downtown Business Improvement Association (DNBIA) and individual donors. Array Studios has also offered their services for all branding work associated with the Nanaimo Rail Trail Partnership and the website construction. During 2014 it is our hope to continue our fundraising efforts, get the support of local government and start expanding the trail.