8 ways your life could change if there was a road between the Sunshine Coast & Vancouver
The ferry in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Photo by JamesZ_Flickr
You’ve all heard the rumours. Seen the articles.
The provincial government announced that they will be researching the costs and benefits of linking the Sunshine Coast to Metro Vancouver by road, or by bridge. It is highly likely that the road would connect Squamish to Gibsons, along Howe Sound.
Its intention is to improve tourism and investment, but if you’re like me––you’re already thinking about how it would affect you personally.
Seriously, think about it. The commute from Powell River to Vancouver could drastically change from a five+ hour trip to quite possibly a mere three or three and a half. Here a few things off the top of our collective heads that would change if this road was constructed:
1. Logistics.
You’d only have to worry about timing & scheduling for one ferry.
Rogers Arena – photo by jmv on Flickr
2. That [concert / sports event / play] wouldn’t seem so far out of reach.
Would you attend more concerts and games in Vancouver if the fixed link became a reality?
Robson Street – photo by Guilhem Vellut on Flickr
3. Your wardrobe.
How much more often would you shop in Vancouver, if you didn’t have to spend a full five hours getting to the city? For that matter, what would it mean for our local retailers to have an easier time getting goods into their stores with shorter and less expensive shipping times?
4. Your stress levels.
Much of the hassle of the Saltery Bay to Horseshoe Bay Route is in the timing of the ferries, and whether the Langdale ferry will be sold out before you get there (or if you will make your already-paid-for reservation). With just one ferry to worry about, will your trip or vacation feel like it’s starting sooner?
David Bay Wharf – Sechelt, BC – photo by Ken McMillan on Flickr
5. Bathroom breaks.
You could take as many as you want, stopping to enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast, because you’re in no rush.
Langday Ferry Terminal – Photo by Sébastien Launay on Flickr
6. Long weekends.
With just one ferry on the route, Powell Riverites will never have to endure multi-sailing waits in Langdale ever again. But––what will this mean for Earl’s Cove, and for the ferry schedule to and from Saltery Bay on long weekends? Will there be reservations?
Golden Ears Bridge – photo by Casey Yee on Flickr
7. The money.
What do you think the fixed link’s fare process would look like? Toll booths? Or maybe the automated, camera-based systems like the Golden Ears Bridge? What would you save (if anything) on a trip to Vancouver, and how would that change the frequency that you travel?
8. Flights.
If you regularly fly in and out of Vancouver (for work or otherwise), would this shorter commute convince you to go back to taking ferries again?
What do you think? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Janis Behan