Sea-to-Sky MP Calls for Return of Passenger Rail as CN Pulls Out of B.C. Corridor

The Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country is calling for the return of passenger rail service in the Sea-to-Sky region, following CN Rail’s announcement that it intends to cease operations on the line north of Squamish.

CN Rail currently maintains the rail network between Squamish and Exeter, near 100 Mile House. On July 11, the company gave formal notice of its plan to discontinue those operations — a move that has raised concerns about the future of long-haul rail services, but also opened the door to new commuter transit possibilities.

“We’re seeing Highway 99 at full capacity, with major congestion and a troubling number of serious collisions,” said Liberal MP Patrick Weiler. “This is having a ripple effect — all the way down into Metro Vancouver. We need real alternatives for transportation.”

Weiler says the region has grown by 60 percent since the 2010 Olympics, when Highway 99 was expanded. He believes now is the right time to reinstate passenger rail service, which previously existed in the corridor until B.C. Rail discontinued operations in 2001. The following year, the province leased its rail operations to CN.

“Given the infrastructure is already there, the timing is ideal,” Weiler said. “Restoring commuter rail would benefit workers, tourists, and the entire region.”

The Rocky Mountaineer currently operates a luxury rail route through the corridor, but its long-term future is now uncertain. A company spokesperson confirmed that the line’s continued viability depends on CN’s maintenance of the tracks, bridges, and vegetation control. While the 2026 season will proceed, future service may be impacted.

Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton echoed the need for a reliable commuter option, noting that while Rocky Mountaineer is a key tourism partner, daily ground transportation is the top priority. “This could be a turning point for how people move through the Sea-to-Sky,” he said.

Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford emphasized the historic and strategic importance of rail in the region. “The Squamish port played a vital role during the 2021 floods, and the rail line runs through tough terrain,” he said. “If maintenance lapses, restarting the service later could become prohibitively expensive.”

B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation says it is reviewing CN’s decision before considering next steps. Meanwhile, Weiler is urging the province and potential operators to act within the one-year window before CN’s operations wind down.

“This region has been studied extensively,” said Weiler. “It’s time to move from analysis to action.”