People who want to see bridges as an option to ferries are speaking out.
A new society has formed on Gabriola Island to push for the idea, and now a fixed link advocate on the Sunshine Coast is getting some attention.
Oddvin Vedo was an economic development commissioner for the Regional District in the ’80s. Vedo says even back then he thought a bridge – or bridge/tunnel combination – across Howe Sound made sense
He says in places like his native Norway, fixed links are seen as the best alternative.
Vedo says the best route would be across to Porteau Cove from the Port Mellon area. He envisions a toll system to pay for it, following the model used for the Coquihalla Highway.
And Vedo says it shouldn’t stop there. He thinks a bridge to Nanaimo is inevitable at some point, and it should be treated as an extension of the Trans Canada Highway system.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone has said he’s willing to work with Gulf Island communities that have support for a bridge; he hasn’t mentioned the Sunshine Coast.
Vedo has been promoting the idea through the blog Sunshine Coast Connector.
Here are the routes Vedo is suggesting (#3 is the Port Mellon – Porteau Cove option).
