Editor:
It seems that the small number of very vocal proponents of a fixed link to/from the mainland have very little to offer in the way of objective support. They talk glibly and grandly of economic development, more tourists, etc., but have no hard data to back up these assertions.
We have seen in recent times very strong opposition to any kind of business development both in Gibsons and Sechelt, and I would venture a guess that, if a referendum were held, the result would be a large majority of Coast residents against any such fixed link. Will we be given an opportunity to voice our collective opinion? I doubt it, as the “elite” know better. The result of this kind of thinking is only recently too evident in the U.S. – ignore the deplorable common person at your peril.
We are fortunately separated from the urban transportation and infrastructure disaster that is Greater Vancouver by a stretch of water. We are serviced by a ferry with which many of us are very unhappy for a variety of reasons, not least the abysmal frequency and loading/unloading turnaround time. Why are we held ransom to a ferry that shuts down before 10 p.m. most of the year?
Let us assume that a fixed link is built, bringing with it the promised increase in business and population. What about the highway between Langdale and Earls Cove? It is unsafe and inadequate, even for the current population and usage.
We are blessed with abundant rainfall, and yet, thanks to the continued and long-standing incompetence of our elected officials, water restrictions are imposed upon us every summer. Quite apart from the fact that this is unacceptable, a fixed link bringing more people will only make things worse.
No fixed link should be contemplated, let alone be built, unless and until the highway and water situations are properly and permanently improved and resolved.
The answer, as I think many Coast residents would agree, is to fix the currently unsatisfactory ferry service. My prescription is smaller boats with greater frequency over a much-extended daily period of time.
The cost of this fixed link study is a disgraceful waste of taxpayer money.
Instead BC Ferries should be forced to properly service its customers on the Sunshine Coast.
Buzz Bennett, Gibsons
