Nearly 11 acres of land running through Snaw-Naw-As First Nation territory, designated for the E&N Rail Line, has been returned to the First Nation. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ISLAND RAIL

‘There is much work to be done:’ Snaw-Naw-As First Nation celebrating return of E&N Rail land

Mar 15, 2023 | 9:13 AM

SNAW-NAW-AS — The return of nearly 11 acres of land previously designated for the E&N Rail Line is being celebrated as a historic occasion.

In a statement delivered late Tuesday, March 15, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation chief Gordon Edwards said a court process started in 2015 has ended with the return of 10.78 acres of trail running through their territory.

The move potentially disrupts future plans to restore rail service on Vancouver Island, with Edwards focusing on the success and growth of his community over an unused rail corridor through it.

“There is much work to be done, but we are going to get to work immediately to ensure that the railway no longer impedes our community’s safety, development, and access.”

Edwards said in the past, the corridor was a vital piece to Vancouver Island’s development, but it “came at the expense of hindering the Snaw-naw-as and other First Nation Communities.”

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The return of land came Tuesday as the provincial and federal government were forced to take action on the E&N Rail Line due to a September 2021 B.C. Court of Appeals ruling which stated funding must be secured within 18 months or the lands would be returned.

Provincial transportation minister Rob Fleming announced $18 million in funding to continue the exploration of rail service on Vancouver Island, however anywhere between $400 million and $700 million is needed to get trains rolling.

Edwards celebrated the work of past Snaw-Naw-As leaders, councils and community members for getting to this point.

“We sincerely hope that the Corridor once again benefits all people of Vancouver Island. There are many questions about what lies ahead for the rest of the corridor, but for today, we celebrate the successful return of our land.”

He also said he’s looking forward to seeing the next steps enabled by the provincial funding, which is designated for consultation of stakeholders and First Nations.

“I look forward to seeing what else is possible for our community, other First Nations, and the corridor as a whole, without having an unused rail in our way,” Edwards said.

The Island Corridor Foundation declined an interview on Tuesday, sending a statement instead which said they would take time to review the decisions made and remain committed to rail service returning to Vancouver Island.

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