Mayor Armand Hurford is calling on the provincial government to consult with communities and First Nations regarding CN Rail’s proposed closure of two key rail lines in British Columbia.
In a recent letter to Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth, Hurford urged the province to intervene, saying the potential rail closure would threaten local jobs, future transit options, and the region’s climate resilience.
“We urge the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to convene consultations with affected municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations,” Hurford wrote. “These rail corridors are vital infrastructure with far-reaching benefits that are at risk.”
The mayor’s appeal follows the release of CN Rail’s updated three-year network plan, which came into effect on July 11, 2025. The plan identifies the possible closure of the Lillooet Subdivision and the Squamish Subdivision. Hurford emphasized that the rail lines are critical for the Squamish port, local businesses, and market access, noting the line’s crucial role in providing a backup supply route during the devastating 2021 B.C. floods.
Hurford’s letter also warns of the long-term consequences of removing the rail infrastructure, stating that it would render the restoration of passenger rail service prohibitively expensive in the future.
“Preserving and maintaining the infrastructure now protects long-term transit options,” he wrote. The mayor’s letter is a call to action for the province to protect the rail corridor and give a voice to local communities in decisions that will shape the region’s transportation network.
Comments