Correspondence between Comox Valley CC and Graham Bruce - ICF

I am forwarding an email from Graham Bruce of ICF in reply to an email I sent him.  It reinforced to me how important it is for the various island cycling coalitions to keep each other informed about the latest developments and ways to support this project.  I have sent a copy to Jack Beck as well.

I will talk to the board about writing a letter of support for the trial as Graham has suggested.  Has or will GNCC and OceansideCC written letters of support?  I asked Jack if BCCC has/will write a letter of support as well.

I am also sending a link to the Vancouver online bike map done by UBC - you might already have seen this but in case you haven’t it is work a look:  http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/cv.aspx

Sue

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Island Corridor Foundation" <Info@islandrail.ca>

Subject: RE: [your-subject]

Date: February 11, 2014 at 2:32:18 PM PST

To: "'Sue Vince'" <smvince@telus.net>

Hi Sue,
Thanks for your interest. The ICF through its member regional districts has already constructed substantial miles of trail along the corridor. We are now working with Trans Canada Trail and the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association to coordinate various trail initiatives from Victoria to Port Hardy and Parksville to Port Alberni and down the canal.

Once we have completed our research and mapping of existing and proposed trails we will start a public process of awareness and assistance. There is already a group in Nanaimo that is spearheading a fundraising campaign to assist the City of Nanaimo in completing the trail network through Nanaimo. There will be a link from our website to theirs added soon.

The RDN is also proposing trail construction this year for Parksville to Coombs and north to Qualicum.

Keep an eye on our website for more info as it becomes available.

A formal letter of trail support from your cycling organization would be nice to have on file.

More to come...

Graham Bruce
Chief Executive Officer
Island Corridor Foundation
Box 375 Stn A, Nanaimo BC V9R 5L3
Office: 250 754 7254 | Direct: 250 246 4320 | Cell: 250 210 0411 | Fax: 888 662 4197 | www.IslandRail.ca

-----Original Message-----
From: Sue Vince [mailto:smvince@telus.net]
Sent: January-29-14 10:58 AM
To: jroberts@islandrail.ca
Subject: [your-subject]

From: Sue Vince <smvince@telus.net>
Subject: [your-subject]

Message Body:
This message is for Graham Bruce:


Dear Graham,

I am very interested in learning about the status of the E&N Trail project.  I live in Royston, BC and I was able to speak to Rod Hunter from Courtenay Rotary Club about their involvement in the Courtenay section.  He suggested I speak with you to get the overall picture.

My interest is to help build momentum for this project as I think it is a fabulous project.  I have recently become involved with the BC Cycling Coalition cyclotourism blog - http://www.cyclotouringbc.com/wordpress/the-cyclotouringbc-program/the-team/.   Our group is in the initial stages of developing a resource blog for cycle tourism in British Columbia.

We would like to blog to promote your E&N trail initiative.  I respect that you are very busy however I hope that we could receive some information directly from you.

I have listed a few questions to help focus in on our request:

1. What economic value will the trail bring to Vancouver Island?
2. What do you consider to be a realistic timeline for its completion?
3. Will this project become part of the TransCanada Trail system?
4. How receptive have the various communities been about the project?
5. Who have been the major players/contributors to the project?
6. How can the local communities best participate to help move the project along?
7. Are there any other comments that you would like to say about your excitement and commitment to the project?

I would like to share current and accurate information about the E&N Trail to our audience, by sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the project.  Our aim is to help add to the momentum for the E&N Rail initiative through our cyclotourism blog.

I hope we will be able to connect either by email or if you prefer another format.  Thank you for your time.


Sincerely,

Sue Vince