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HISTORICAL ROOTS OF CANADA’S RAILWAY 63
1999 — RailAmerica Inc. acquired CP’s Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway. Now, as E&N Railway Company, it expanded its operation by purchasing the line between Port Alberni and Nanaimo, leasing the run between Victoria and Nanaimo.
2000 — The sleek and improved Renaissance I car was put on the track and promises the beginning of passenger rail upgrades throughout Canada. Federal government guarantees $402 million in capital funding.
2002 —WiththelastrunoftheCariboo Prospector, BC Rail ceased passenger service after 88 years of operation. Two “rail shuttle vehicles,” each with 20 seats, began servicing remote communities from Lillooet to D’Arcy, B.C.
2003 — he second modernized sleeper car was welcomed on the tracks. he Renaissance II is an elaborate sleeper car polished with utmost class. Transport Minister announced $692.5 million in new funding for VIA Rail.
CN picked up shares becoming Canada’s third-largest railway.
2005 — Inauguration of the Easterly class on board the Ocean. A route travelling the perimeter of the East Coast and Maritimes, providing an environment of learning, relaxation and tourism.
2006 — Inauguration of the Whistler Mountaineer — offers a scenic, three- hour train trip between North Vancouver and Whistler.
2007 — Inauguration of the Snow Train Express — a seasonal weekend departure from Edmonton to Jasper.
he Government of Canada announced an investment of $516 million over ive years to revitalize passenger rail services in Canada.
2008 — he Society of International Railway Travelers recognizes the Canadian as one of the “World’s Top 25 Trains.”
2009 — Another investment of $407 million was added to $516 million. It adds up to $923 million — the biggest capital investment in VIA Rail’s history.
2003 — CN absorbed the publicly-owned
BC Rail Ltd. for $1 billion. CN bought
the rights to travel over BC Rail’s
roadbed under a renewable 60-year lease. 2012 —heCFL’s(CanadianFootball
League) Grey Cup 100 Train Tour leaves Vancouver on a cross-Canada journey stopping at over 100 communities
across Canada.