The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has awarded a contract to CH2M Hill Canada Limited to study the feasibility of a fixed link between Gabriola Island and Vancouver Island that would replace existing ferry service.

CH2M Hill will examine potential locations for a fixed link, provide cost estimates and undertake a cost comparison between a fixed link and the existing ferry service. The consultant will not be assessing the level of public support for a bridge.

This study is in response to a petition signed by a significant number of Gabriola Island residents, and is consistent with government’s goals of both connecting coastal communities in a sustainable manner and finding innovative ways to reduce the upward pressure on coastal ferry fares.

The contract is valued at $200,000. The feasibility study will get underway this fall, with the ministry reporting out in summer 2015.

Gabriola Island is home to approximately 4,000 full-time residents. BC Ferries’ Route 19 between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour carried 341,000 vehicles in 2013-14.

Quote:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“I know that residents of Gabriola Island will want to discuss how a fixed link to Vancouver Island could affect their community. The results of this feasibility study will give them the information necessary to have an informed debate about how a bridge compares with the existing ferry service. It will also be valuable to government and BC Ferries as we work to ensure we connect coastal communities in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner.”

Learn More:

For the terms of reference for the consultant’s assignment, please visit:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/reports_and_studies/index.htm

To learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C., go to: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241