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What is the Nanaimo Rail Trail?
The Nanaimo Region Rail Trail (NRRT) is a partnership of community groups working together to advance the E&N Rail trail. The current members of the Partnership include 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 discussions with other groups interested in joining the partnership.
The interim executive team leading the Partnership consists of Andre Sullivan as Chair (DNBIA), David Grey as Vice Chair (GNCC), Tim Mawdsley as Treasurer, Tamera Rogers handling events, Kimberly Krieger managing communications, and Elizabeth Williams as Secretary (City of Nanaimo). For further inquiries, please contact the volunteers at info@nanaimoregionrailtrail.ca.
Nanaimo Rail Trail Map
Wondering how far we’ve come and where we’re going? View the trail map below to see portions completed and currently in fundraising.
Nanaimo Rail Trail Map
Wondering how far we’ve come and where we’re going? View the trail map below to see portions completed and currently in fundraising.
The backstory
Over the past few quarters representatives have been meeting to discuss an expanded trail network. It was decided that:
- Efforts would be focused on completing the E&N trail.
- Formation of a partnership under the Island Corridor Foundation, similar to the Nanaimo.
- Train Station restorations.
The Partnership’s role includes:
- Fundraising
- Soliciting in-kind donations from the community
- Building public awareness and support
- Leveraging funds from all levels of government
- Seeking grant opportunities
- Determining priority sections for trail expansion
In fall 2013, we began working with the Island Corridor Foundation, which has established an in-trust account. This account releases funds when plans are in place to build a specific section of the trail. Donations can be designated for particular sections or contributed to the top priority section determined by the partnership.
Who is the ICF?
The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit society established in 2003. It is a partnership between First Nations and local Governments that owns the rail corridor connecting Victoria, Comox, and Port Alberni. The ICF’s Board consists of 12 Directors, including representatives from First Nations, Regional Districts, and two at-large members. Its purpose is to acquire, preserve, and develop the Island Corridor, which spans from Victoria to Courtenay and Nanaimo to Port Alberni.
The Rail Trail’s Current Status (E&N Trail)
The City of Nanaimo has completed about half of the proposed “Rail Trail,” covering approximately 8 km. It runs from North Nanaimo Town Center to Terminal Park Mall. Progress on the trail slowed due to budget constraints and the need for park trail upgrades. The Nanaimo train station rebuild included a new trail section between Franklin Street and Fitzwilliam Street. Engineering and costing have been done for most of the corridor, with detailed engineering underway in the Old City Quarter.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing, supported by donations from Tourism Nanaimo, the Downtown Business Improvement Association (DNBIA), and individual contributors. Array Studios is assisting with branding and website construction. Plans for 2014 include continued fundraising, local government support, and trail expansion.
