R.F. Binnie & Associates has been chosen as the consultant to study the feasibility of a fixed link between the Sunshine Coast and the Lower Mainland.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced the hiring of R.F. Binnie & Associates by way of a $250,000 contract on Feb. 3, and work by the consultant is now underway.
“With this study, we’re taking a thorough look at the possibilities for a highway link to the Lower Mainland. It will build on previous work, and provide government with valuable, updated information on various options as they compare to the existing ferry service,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.
He noted the study was needed as connections between the Coast and the Lower Mainland have been limited to date due to the geography of the area, “which is an impediment to trade and tourism in the region.”
The consultant will explore several potential connections including four possible routes that have been identified already.
Those potential fixed link routes include a Powell River to Highway 99 road link, a Port Mellon to Squamish road link, a Port Mellon to Highway 99 bridge link and an Earls Cove to Saltery Bay bridge link.
The costs and benefits of each option will be assessed and will be compared with existing ferry services by the consultant.
“Gathering the data, assessing the practicality of options and the orders of magnitude of costs will all contribute to an informed discussion of the long-term plan for connecting the Upper and Lower Sunshine Coast to the Lower Mainland,” said Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “This issue has been a hot topic as long as I can remember and I look forward to meeting with the communities to hear their perspectives.”
Sturdy has been tasked with meeting with local governments and community members to “gauge community interest” in a fixed link. However, the newly named consultant will be charged with public consultation and community engagement as part of the study.
Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee chair Barry Cavens noted it was “very important for the long-term future of the Sunshine Coast” that the consultant hears what local residents have to say.
To that end, the Sunshine Coast Regional District is seeking more information from the newly named consultant as to where and when local consultation will take place.
R.F. Binnie & Associates is a Vancouver-based civil engineering firm with expertise in consultation processes. R.F. Binnie’s final report to government on the fixed link study is expected in late fall 2016.
