Lumby’s rail line can’t be sold for non-transportation uses.
On Monday, council adopted a bylaw that creates a transportation corridor zone along the rail line.
“It’s important to keep our options open,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich.
The village decided to take action after the rail line between Spallumcheen and Grindrod closed two years ago.
According to Mayor Kevin Acton, a transportation corridor, and particularly a rail line, is important to any future economic development in Lumby.
“It would be good for any industry that needs that kind of transportation,” he said.
“And given the increasing gas prices, rail may be making a comeback.”
However, the transportation corridor isn’t just limited to rail.
The land could be used for a road or walking/cycling trail.
“If Canadian Pacific decides not to run the track in future, I’d like to see a path or passenger train,” said Mindnich.
The village’s economic development committee is also on the verge of starting to look at potential ways to create investment and jobs in the community.
“We want the committee to hit the ground running,” said Acton.
