ESQUIMALT, BC, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities. In British Columbia, that means strengthening regional economies and building vibrant communities by investing in the infrastructure and public spaces that help people connect, stay active, and thrive.

Today, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced a PacifiCan investment of $500,000 through the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream for the Island Corridor Foundation to conduct feasibility and technical studies on potentially restoring rail service between Victoria West and Langford.

The Island Corridor Foundation is a non-profit organization working with the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative, an Indigenous-led initiative led by the Lekwungen Nations (the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation [Kosapsum]) in partnership with local governments to explore the future of the Victoria-Langford section of the Island Rail Corridor.. This $500,000 PacifiCan investment will support a feasibility study including corridor planning, land use analysis, and engagement with communities and partners. The project will help identify potential economic opportunities for the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and inform future decisions about passenger rail service in the Capital Regional District.

The Local Impact stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund makes investments in new and improved community infrastructure that reflect local priorities and drive regional economic growth, including community buildings, small business and workforce development spaces, recreation facilities, and arts and cultural spaces.

With a province-wide network and strong local partnerships, PacifiCan is helping communities across British Columbia advance projects that reflect local priorities. The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to create the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come.

Quotes

"The Build Communities Strong Fund is building reliable, resilient infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. Through PacifiCan, we are investing in the places British Columbians rely on every day — generating lasting economic benefits, supporting local jobs, and building vibrant, connected communities across the province."

-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)

"This investment demonstrates the federal government's commitment to the residents of B.C.'s Capital Region and their vision for a more integrated, accessible community. With growing public support for passenger rail and urgent transportation challenges from the West Shore to Victoria, federal engagement in this planning process is critical to turning that vision into reality. It is especially encouraging that this process is done in full partnership with First Nations, local governments and community leaders, built on a shared recognition of each other's needs and a willingness to work together. This is exactly what is possible when governments come to the table ready to listen, collaborate and invest in solutions."

-The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors)

"Passenger rail has the potential to give residents a reliable way to move between the West Shore and Victoria while strengthening our regional economy and making better use of an existing transportation corridor. This investment will support the feasibility and technical work needed to move towards a new era of transportation and growth – all in partnership with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and communities along the corridor." 

-Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria

"The Province has been a steadfast partner with the Island Corridor Foundation, First Nations and local governments on the future of this corridor. In 2023, we committed $18 million to support planning and engagement with Indigenous communities and regional districts, including $300,000 toward this important technical planning work. PacifiCan's investment today complements that contribution and helps us move forward to determine the best use for the corridor that meets the needs and priorities of this growing region."

-The Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit

"We are grateful for the federal government's support of this feasibility work, and for recognizing the value of exploring transportation solutions for our region. The Reconciliation Corridor Initiative project is not only a possible solution to our regional transportation challenges, but also an opportunity to help right historic damages to First Nations and bring economic benefit to First Nations and communities of the region. It's a template for partnerships in the future, with First Nation leadership and a grounding in community."

-Barb Desjardins, Co-Chair, Island Corridor Foundation

Quick facts

• Announced in Budget 2025, the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) will provide $51 billion over 10 years to support public infrastructure projects of local and regional significance across Canada.
• Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund is delivering funding through three major streams:
  • A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
  • A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
  • A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years, indexed at 2%, to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
• PacifiCan is investing $136.3 million through the Local Impact Stream in communities across B.C. over 4 years, beginning in 2026–27.
• The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.  
• The Capital Regional District is also investing $523,100 in the Island Corridor Foundation's rail feasibility study.

Associated links

• Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream
• Island Corridor Foundation

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SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada