VICTORIA – The B.C. government will study the idea of building a bridge between Gabriola Island and Vancouver Island to replace BC Ferries service.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone says local residents petitioned the government to do a feasibility study so any future discussions about a fixed link can be based on current information.
But the ministry says in a news release that an independent consultant conducting the study will not assess the level of public support for a bridge.
The study, expected to start this fall and finish next spring, will include an examination of potential locations for a fixed link, a cost estimate and a comparison of the cost between a bridge and existing ferry service.
About 4,000 people live on Gabriola Island, which draws a larger population during summer months.
BC Ferries’ service to the island east of Nanaimo was cut back as a cost-cutting measure last year when service on other routes was also reduced.
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