Beginning next week, the Government of British Columbia will be meeting with First Nations, local governments, chambers of commerce and other community leaders as part of initial consultations for the Sunshine Coast Fixed Link Feasibility Study. The meetings will be hosted by West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy.

A number of potential connections between the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland are being explored, with concept options ranging from a highway link around Jervis Inlet, to direct bridge connections along the coast. The costs and benefits of each option will be assessed and will be compared with existing ferry services.

R.F. Binnie and Associates, a Vancouver-based civil engineering firm with expertise in consultation processes, is gathering and updating technical information on the options. In addition to the technical feasibility of a highway link, the input from these upcoming meetings will also be considered as government assesses the practicality of a potential future connection between the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland.

First Nations and local government representatives that have an interest in the feasibility of a Sunshine Coast highway link, such as West Vancouver and the North Shore, the Sea-to-Sky area, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, have been invited to participate in meetings. These meetings will take place over the next several weeks.

The public will also have an opportunity to provide input into this feasibility study in fall 2016. R.F. Binnie’s final report to government on the Sunshine Coast Fixed Link Feasibility Study is expected in late 2016.