Minister of Transport Re: Ferry Terminal Road Congestion, Salish Sea Trail Network, and South Island Transportation Strategy

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Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola  Galiano Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
                                 
 
1 - 500 Lower Ganges Road   Salt Spring Island  BC  V8K 2N8 
Telephone   250.537.9144 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 604.660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
Email  ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
March 23, 2022 File: 08-3070-10 
 
via email: Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca 
 
The Honourable Rob Fleming 
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure 
PO Box 9055 Stn Prov Govt 
Victoria, BC, V8W-9E2 
 
Dear Minister Fleming, 
 
Re: 1) Ferry Terminal Road Congestion; 2) Salish Sea Trail Network and; 3) South Island Transportation Strategy 
 
On behalf of the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (SS LTC), I am writing to request a meeting between yourself, 
our local trust committee, and other interested parties to discuss three important issues of concern to Salt Spring Island 
residents. 
 
The  first matter  of concern  is traffic  congestion  at  the  Fulford  and  Vesuvius  Bay  ferry  terminals.  As  the  population, 
servicing needs, and tourism popularity of Salt Spring Island has grown, so too has road congestion associated with these 
ferry  terminals. For  some  time  now  travel  demand has  outstripped the capacity of BC Ferries’ vehicle  holding lots, 
resulting in cars holding on public roadways.  With public roadways congested, cars and public transit are blocked from 
accessing the terminals to drop off or pick up passengers. Many cars are forced to drive in the wrong lane, increasing the 
risk of head-on collisions, and causing further congestion impacts. Parking in the vicinity of ferry terminals is insufficient 
resulting  in  cars parked  haphazardly  throughout nearby neighbourhoods. These problems impact  not  only  driver  and 
pedestrian safety, but also the quality of life of area residents. While SS LTC understands that resolution to these issues 
lies  in part with the vessel selection and terminal redevelopment plans of BC Ferries, they are also intimately linked to 
community  planning.  The  SS  LTC  and  interested parties value  the  opportunity  to  explore  some  interim  solutions with 
you. 
 
The second matter concerns work toward completion of the Salt Spring Island segment of the Salish Sea Trail Network. 
As  you  may  know,  significant  community  effort  is  being  devoted  to  investigating,  advocating,  and  planning  for  the 
development  of  safe,  accessible, active  transportation  infrastructure  to  connect  the  Fulford  and  Vesuvius  Bay  ferry 
terminals.  While local enthusiasm for this project is high, the reality is that its eventual completion will likely require a 
significant financial  and  staff  commitment  from  your  ministry.  SS  LTC and  interested parties would  appreciate  the 
chance to discuss how firm ministry support for this important project can be secured.  
 
 
 

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