Island Rail Redefined.
Connecting Communities,
Cultures, and Commerce.
Island Rail Corporation (IRC) is a privately held, Indigenous-led company uniting local, national, and international stakeholders to realize Vancouver Island’s vision of rebuilding the Island Rail Corridor for future generations—within a framework of true partnership and reconciliation with First Nations. At the intersection of transportation innovation, reconciliation, and economic opportunity, IRC collaborates with First Nations, local governments, the private sector, and transportation authorities to redevelop the corridor for heavy freight, passenger, and tourism rail services.
Working closely with stakeholders, the IRC team has cultivated strong private-sector interest in the return of freight rail service to Vancouver Island—with intercity and commuter passenger service emerging as a complementary benefit of this revenue-generating freight-led model. IRC has established relationships with key businesses and organizations along and beyond the corridor that stand to benefit directly from a modern, efficient, and sustainable Island Rail system.
IRC is advancing a bold, forward-looking vision for a multi-modal transportation network that connects communities, reduces environmental impact, and fosters equitable economic development. IRC is committed to reducing Island highway congestion, improving regional transportation reliability, and re-establishing rail as a clean, cost-effective alternative for moving both people and goods across the Island.
With a growing network of identified stakeholders and aligned partners, IRC is working to deliver a Port-to-Port (P2P) heavy freight rail corridor linking Vancouver Island’s west and east coast ports—from Port Alberni to Nanaimo—and establishing a vital connection to the Lower Mainland. Bidirectional rail service through Nanaimo terminals will link with Class I railway interchanges and the broader North American rail network via a high-capacity rail-marine service. Expanded port facilities at Port Alberni will accommodate increased domestic and international freight volumes, easing pressure on mainland terminals while unlocking new trade capacity.
The system will also include regional freight service to Island businesses, direct rail access for industrial operators, and integrated intermodal and transload logistics solutions aligned with Vancouver Island’s Foreign Trade Zone designation. As a byproduct of the freight-led model, IRC supports the phased return of intercity passenger service between Victoria, Nanaimo, and Courtenay, as well as on the P2P corridor, together with higher-frequency commuter service between Duncan, Langford, and Victoria. Seasonal tourism rail services are also envisioned between key Island destinations to further support the Island’s visitor economy.
Looking ahead, IRC is exploring service and infrastructure extensions beyond the existing corridor to reach additional Island communities not currently rail-served—further strengthening regional connectivity and long-term opportunity.
Led by a diverse and experienced leadership team—including Indigenous business professionals and veteran rail industry executives—IRC is laying the foundation for a once-in-a-generation infrastructure renewal. This effort honours the land, empowers communities, and drives sustainable growth for Vancouver Island and beyond. Island Rail Corporation is uniquely positioned to deliver a rail solution that connects communities, cultures, and commerce—reflecting the Island’s values and building a prosperous future for generations to come.
To deliver practical, sustainable rail solutions for Vancouver Island by collaborating with all directly affected communities and—most importantly—helping to “right a historic wrong” through meaningful partnership with First Nations. We achieve this by applying the most experienced people, proven processes, and advanced technologies.
To be a national model for innovation in rail by leading with Indigenous partnership, integrating green technologies, and deploying modern data and information systems—while delivering lasting value to Vancouver Island and its communities.
These drive our actions, identifying the behaviours and ideals we believe are important to the success of the company. IRC embraces these primary values:
IMPECCABILITY — We speak and act with integrity, staying true to our values. We are forthright, principled, and earn the trust of those we work with.
RESPECT — We respect ourselves and others—caring deeply for our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.
ACCOUNTABILITY — We take ownership of our actions and decisions, honour our commitments, and deliver on our responsibilities.
LEADERSHIP — We lead with knowledge, insight, and vision—anticipating industry trends and inspiring shared success through clear communication and confident action.
CO-OPERATION — We value our partnerships and clients. We listen, learn, and collaborate to co-create sustainable, community-driven outcomes.
INNOVATION — We think entrepreneurially, develop creative solutions within regulatory frameworks, and continuously evolve to meet the needs of our partners, clients, and the planet.
RECONCILIATION — Building respectful, trust-based partnerships with First Nations.
SUSTAINABILITY — We reduce environmental impact, implement clean alternatives, and support long-term health and prosperity for the communities we serve.
Island Rail Corporation (IRC) recognizes the critical role of First Nations in shaping the future economic, social, and environmental success of Vancouver Island and its railway. From its inception, IRC has been committed to partnering with local First Peoples and Indigenous leaders in a meaningful and lasting way.
IRC strongly supports the return of unceded corridor lands to the affected First Nations and believes that these communities must be foundational partners—sharing directly in the benefits and stewardship of a revitalized Island Rail system. This modern, Indigenous-led rail network is envisioned as a sustainable, high-capacity transportation system that will serve all Islanders, while respecting the land, honouring cultural relationships, and creating long-term prosperity for the next seven generations.
Working in partnership, First Nations along the Island Rail Corridor have the opportunity to participate in a modern, green transportation system that connects communities and supports regional trade—both on Vancouver Island and beyond. This revitalized system will not only meet but exceed social, environmental, and economic goals, and will stand as a national model for rail redevelopment grounded in Indigenous partnership and reconciliation.
IRC also acknowledges the need to resolve outstanding questions regarding the unceded lands currently under the Island Corridor Foundation. We are proud to lend our support to efforts that advance this resolution and believe that the rebuilding of Island Rail presents a unique opportunity to help First Nations realize their vision for socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural renewal.
Reconciliation is not an afterthought—it is a priority. As a company, IRC is committed to supporting First Nations as majority owners and partners in shaping the future of rail on Vancouver Island—within a privately held, Indigenous-led corporate framework.
INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP COMMUNITY PROSPERITY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NEXT SEVEN GENERATIONS
Restore, revitalize, and enhance all rail infrastructure on Vancouver Island as the backbone of a modern, multi-modal transportation system—supporting port-to-port freight, passenger movement (residents and tourists alike), and intermodal/transload operations for local, national, and international cargo.
Foster a broad coalition of partners—including governments, Indigenous communities and businesses, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations—to collaboratively support the vision and delivery of Island Rail.
Advance projects in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner, with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, easing highway congestion, and improving overall freight transportation efficiency on Vancouver Island.
Develop strong support across the private sector, Indigenous leadership, and political stakeholders to ensure long-term viability and shared equitable ownership of the Island Rail system.
Promote integration with all other modes of transportation, both on and off the Island—including trucking, ferry, air, and marine shipping networks.
Island Rail Corporation (IRC) has identified significant freight opportunities centred around Port Alberni’s industrial base and the expansion of its port terminals—laying the foundation for a modern, rail-linked federally designated western port.
This freight rail traffic will play a crucial role in diverting heavy commercial vehicle volumes off Vancouver Island’s already congested and capacity-limited highways, particularly Highways 4 and 19 between Port Alberni and Duke Point. By shifting freight to rail, goods can move reliably in all weather conditions, avoid excess handling (and the risk of damage or loss), and offer clear economic and environmental advantages. Rail also improves overall road safety and reduces the frequency and cost of disruptive highway maintenance.
A revitalized deepwater port in Port Alberni would be capable of handling goods from Canadian, Mexican, American, and other Pacific Rim markets—while also relieving pressure from congested mainland western ports. IRC is positioned to transport these goods via a modern, bidirectional rail corridor that links Port Alberni to Class I rail interchanges on the mainland, unlocking access to the broader North American supply chain network.
Reduces handling and risk of product loss or damage during transload operations.
Moves 2–4× more product per carload through high-capacity rail-marine service.
Ensures reliable, safe transport of freight (and passengers) in all weather conditions.
Reduces vessel dwell time at congested western ports, improving supply chain efficiency.
Accelerates vessel turnaround, easing congestion at existing mainland port terminals.
Avoids navigational risks of West Coast short sea shipping (SSS) by favouring rail-marine routing.
Connects directly with Class I railway interchanges, enabling seamless access to North American markets.
Expands needed freight capacity and facilitates growth within Vancouver Island's designated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).
Reduces inefficient commercial vehicle traffic on Island highways—improving road safety, cutting maintenance costs, and benefiting taxpayers.
Lowers emissions significantly by improving freight efficiency: more product moved, less fuel consumed, and fewer trucks and idle vessels.
Enables enhanced passenger and tourism rail services—and associated economic opportunities—as a byproduct of the freight-led model.
Did you know Vancouver Island is a Foreign Trade Zone? Local, provincial, national, and international shippers can benefit from Vancouver Island’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation by utilizing Island port facilities to move goods and products efficiently. A direct rail link—delivered by Island Rail Corporation—between Vancouver Island and the North American rail network will play a vital role in maximizing this FTZ status. It will provide seamless, reliable, and efficient end-to-end shipping solutions for importers, exporters, and businesses both on and off the Island.
Island Rail Corporation is a member of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), and you can view our profile at viea.ca/author/islandrail
As a contributing member of the Vancouver Island FTZ working committee, IRC fully supports the FTZ vision and the role that modern rail infrastructure can play in achieving it. Rebuilding Vancouver Island’s railway network will deliver cost-effective transportation for both domestic and international cargo—while supporting Net Zero climate action goals.
Video courtesy of Port Alberni Port Authority
Island Rail Corporation (IRC) is actively engaging a wide range of private sector companies and organizations, each bringing valuable industry expertise and resources to the table. These stakeholders both contribute to—and stand to benefit from—the economic, environmental, and logistical advantages of a rebuilt rail system that directly supports their operations.
Many of these groups have expressed strong support for the original mandate of the Island Corridor Foundation: to preserve and protect the corridor for continued rail use. They also acknowledge that the lands comprising the Island Rail Corridor are unceded Indigenous territory—a critical issue that must be addressed as a condition of moving forward. Resolving this—within the framework of a private corporation with Indigenous ownership—is essential to ensuring the corridor meets the long-term needs of Vancouver Island for the next seven generations and beyond.
IRC fully recognizes the importance of resolving the outstanding questions surrounding the unceded lands currently under the Island Corridor Foundation. We are committed to supporting First Nations leadership in this process and offer our full support to efforts that will see these matters addressed with respect, fairness, and accountability.
We firmly believe that rebuilding a modern, sustainable railway will help First Nations along the corridor realize their goals for socio-economic development, environmental stewardship, and lasting community prosperity—benefiting not only Indigenous Peoples, but all residents of Vancouver Island.
Photo of invitees does not reflect support of all parties shown
Island Rail Corporation (IRC), along with representatives from TransLink, the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the National Research Council, and Stewart Group Consulting, had the privilege of accepting an invitation from Alstom to experience their state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot project in Quebec.
Several Island mayors and representatives from First Nations were also invited to join the visit but, due to scheduling conflicts, were unable to attend. An invitation was extended to the Island Corridor Foundation, though no response was received.
The opportunity to witness this clean, modern rail technology in action—and to envision its application on Vancouver Island—was compelling. The scenic Quebec corridor showcased the system’s performance, but IRC believes the potential on Vancouver Island is even greater. With its coastal landscapes, tourism destinations, and community-connected geography, the Island is uniquely suited to benefit from a hydrogen-powered passenger rail network that supports environmental, tourism, and transportation goals simultaneously.
This opportunity is now within reach. IRC continues to work collaboratively with stakeholders to re-establish Island Rail for the benefit of all Vancouver Islanders.
Pilot Project Vision: Victoria to Nanaimo
IRC sees immediate potential for a hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot on the southern portion of the Island Rail Corridor. The proposed route would begin in Victoria, pass over the Malahat, and initially terminate near the Malahat SkyWalk attraction—creating a unique tourism and commuter link. In a later phase, the service would extend north to Nanaimo, connecting key population and travel hubs.
With the consent and participation of Indigenous communities, and the support of municipal, regional, and tourism stakeholders, IRC is ready to move this vision forward. The private sector has already expressed readiness to step in, invest, and assist with pilot operations.
Video courtesy of Alstom (Americas Region)
Over the years, there has been confusion and misinformation about the Island Rail Corridor. Our full FAQ answers common questions, clears up misconceptions, and provides a clear summary of Island Rail Corporation’s position. Click here to view our full FAQ ›
If you’d like to learn more about our vision for rail on Vancouver Island—and the benefits it can bring to Indigenous communities and all Islanders—please reach out to the Island Rail Corporation team via our Contact Page at islandrailcorp.com/contact
IRC welcomes all stakeholders “On Board” in turning reconciliation into reconciliACTION.