TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2014
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KICKSTART A RESOLUTION
LAST MINUTE LOCAL GIFTS
Beth Alden’s gym started from humble beginnings
A French Creek artist who says she was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe
A15
A13
RE-STARTING PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE
Safety is number one ICF still waiting for the bulk of the funding it needs for the rails JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
The Island Corridor Foundation’s plan to re-start passenger rail service is now in the hands of the B.C. Safety Authority. ICF CEO Graham Bruce has consistently said the service could be restarted with $21 million of funding from the regional districts, the province and Ottawa. The ICF has about $7 million from the regional districts and is awaiting the balance from Victoria and the federal government. “The ministry has completed its review of the Island Corridor Foundation’s business plan,” a B.C. Ministry of Transportation official told The NEWS last week. “The B.C. Safety Authority has engaged a consultant to review the upgrade plan. Viability of the service requires that both plans be considered together because financial predictions in the business plan will depend upon the upgrade and long term maintenance requirements.” Passenger rail service was suspended in 2011 due to unsafe track conditions. Parksville-Qualicum Beach MLA Michelle Stilwell echoed the comments of the transportation ministry spokesperson. “The province’s position has been really clear: we’re committed to supporting the corridor, but plans for rail service have to prove that service will be both safe and sustainable,” said Stilwell. “Safety is my first priority no matter where or when the train travels.” Stilwell also didn’t rule out a different use for the corridor. “I want to see the island corridor used in a way that has the most positive and long-lasting impact for the people and businesses in our community and all of the other towns and cities that have a stake in this process,” she said.
The Year in Review
Remember the explosion in Dashwood? How about the local people who appeared in front of the Dragons? Or the emotional debate about school closures? The past year has been full of news — good, bad, inspiring and otherwise. Starting today on page A5, and continuing in our next three editions, our staff gives readers a look back at stories from every paper we published in 2014. Thanks for all of your support in 2014. — John Harding
AUREN RUVINSKY PHOTO
SPREADING A GOOD MESSAGE: Local Grade 4-7 students hand decorated 1,000 paper bags to help the government liquor stores spread the message of drinking responsibly over the holidays. “It really supports our goal of promoting social responsibility,” said Wembley Mall store manager Rich Cordocedo, above at right. “It gets the conversation started,” said Oceanside RCMP Const. George Minshull, who organized the project.
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