CN Rail is about to abandon a significant rail corridor from Squamish north. The provincial government has the right to buy it for $1, and they should. Doing so would allow BC to run safe and reliable intercity passenger rail service to Squamish, Whistler, and beyond.
For Immediate Release
August 5th, 2025
VANCOUVER – On July 9th, Canadian National announced its intention to abandon its operations on its leased rail corridor between Squamish and Prince George after nearly twenty years of operation. In relinquishing the route, the provincial government has the right to take ownership with a fee of $1.
Prior to the 2004 lease, the British Columbia Railway operated passenger railway service from its southern terminus in North Vancouver, providing a vital and reliable link between Metro Vancouver through to Prince George.
The absence of these operations and the fracturing of intercity bus services has made transportation around the province reliant on private vehicle ownership. Reinstating rail service would provide people with alternative transportation options that would improve connectivity to smaller communities, provide better access to healthcare found only in larger centres, and help with meeting greenhouse gas emission targets.
In 2024, the BC NDP committed to introducing transit along the Sea to Sky Corridor as part of a confidence and supply agreement with the B.C. Green caucus. Given this commitment, we urge the provincial government to use this once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore intercity passenger rail and fulfill its agreement with the BC Greens. In the meantime, the province should immediately implement regular, frequent bus service on the Sea to Sky between Vancouver and Whistler. With targeted bus priority on the highway, this service would be competitive with driving and would reduce congestion, increase safety, and provide an affordable transportation option to commuters and tourists alike.
“This route once had regular train service on it. The province has the option of providing this again. Why wouldn’t it?” – Dylan Perera
“People love trains! Passenger service on this route would be great for locals, but would also be a boon for tourism as it could be the most scenic train ride in the country.” – Michael Hall