We expect many islanders will join us in having positive-if-mixed feelings about a built-out bicycle and pedestrian path that could link the Fulford and Vesuvius ferry terminals.
On one hand, local effects from large infrastructure projects are always profound, and the Salt Spring Island Regional Trail (SSIRT) would be transformationally so. We’ve watched as foot and two-wheeled traffic on Ganges Hill steadily rose after a widening there — despite a surprisingly narrow eastern shoulder — and reportedly cyclists, walkers and drivers all agree it’s easier on everyone’s blood pressure. Giving more people a safe option to leave their cars behind and walk or bike instead has multiple knock-on health, environmental, economic and even traffic effects.
On the other hand, it’s going to attract more people to Salt Spring — a point which local businesses might argue belongs firmly on the first hand.
There’s little debate that everyone from restaurants to farm stands will prosper from the wallets inevitably brought along, as travellers eagerly come from away to complete what will certainly be the loveliest jewel in the Salish Sea Trail’s crown. Yet a steady stream of cyclists and pedestrians from one end of the island to another will be a very visible change in a landscape that, even during our “rush hour,” is comparatively, positively and adoringly sleepy.
A preemptive stance against new infrastructure in hopes of slowing visitor numbers seems face-spitingly obstructionist, although we may have internally, and sometimes approvingly, called such predilection the “Hornby Doctrine.” Don’t build it, and they won’t come.
Regardless, Salt Spring would benefit from early consideration for every island institution the SSIRT might flow by, through or to — not just by readying our business community over the coming years for a bump in customers, but perhaps also reimagining everything from sidewalks and parks access to emergency services and even lighting.
Put another way: we may need to prepare our infrastructure for some infrastructure.
As far as I can tell, Salt Spring has no problem attracting tourists. Is there any data to show that some massive influx of tourist dollars is suddenly going to pour in from an army of cyclists who are holding back from visiting our island? Seems not likely. I’d love to see the data.