The Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island (HASSI) announced Friday it is expanding air transportation facilities in Ganges Harbour through a major infrastructure project.
According to a press release issued May 15 by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), which is providing $200,000 towards the $1.2-million undertaking, the project will add two new seaplane docks and additional transient moorage to better accommodate growing demand from residents, visitors, commercial operators and neighbouring island communities. ICET says “upgraded facilities will support safer, more efficient and higher-capacity movement of people and goods while improving year-round access to Salt Spring Island.”
“These upgrades will help improve reliability, safety and capacity while positioning the harbour to meet the region’s evolving transportation needs,” said HASSI executive officer Russ Ellis in the release.
ICET said the expanded facility is expected to reduce transportation bottlenecks, strengthen emergency response capabilities and support tourism and economic activity throughout the region. The project is also expected to create one new direct part-time position and 11 seasonal jobs, while supporting the expansion of existing businesses and social enterprises.
“In coastal communities, transportation infrastructure shapes everything. It determines which businesses can grow here, what services people can access and the quality of life islanders are able to build,” said ICET CEO Brodie Guy. “We’re grateful to have worked in partnership with the Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island on this project that will unlock significant new business investment and activity in Ganges, while strengthening the day-to-day wellbeing of residents across the Gulf Islands who rely on this harbour.”
ICET is an economic development body created by the provincial government in 2006. Salt Spring and the other Southern Gulf Islands have been eligible for ICET funding since 2021.