Royal Bay residents are lamenting the provincial governmentB次元官网网址檚 long-term priority designation for marine transportation corridors, which include a Colwood-Victoria ferry service.
The provinceB次元官网网址檚 South Island Transportation Strategy, assigned long-term priority to future marine transportation routes, as opposed to short-term and medium-term assignment for other projects, such as electric vehicle charging stations and the Rapid Transit Corridor along Highway 1.
B次元官网网址淚t appears that the provincial government is taking the support of people living in the CRD [Capital Regional District] region for granted and are placing a higher priority on focusing their time and attention elsewhere in the province,B次元官网网址� the Royal Bay Homeowners Association wrote in a news release.
The group has long supported the vision of a passenger ferry service from one shoreline to the other, and compares the concept to the geographic relationship from Sydney, Australia to nearby Manly.
B次元官网网址淭he beneficial impacts on the economies and the quality of life in both communities are substantial,B次元官网网址� the association wrote. B次元官网网址淚gnoring an opportunity for the City of Colwood, the City of Victoria and the entire CRD region to take a great leap forward both economically and in quality of life, does not show much interest or concern for the future of South Island communities by the provincial government.B次元官网网址�
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In November 2018 Colwood Mayor Rob Martin pitched the idea of the ferry, saying rapid growth of West Shore communities calls for new ways to get to and from downtown.
A pre-feasibility study highlighted the project as a solution to traffic congestion between downtown Victoria and Colwood B次元官网网址� commonly known as the . But Martin says the ferry isnB次元官网网址檛 just about Colwood commuters, it would stop in Esquimalt too, creating a traffic-easing transportation option for people across the region, and encouraging walking and biking on both ends.
READ ALSO: The B次元官网网址楥olwood CrawlB次元官网网址� doesnB次元官网网址檛 go through Colwood
B次元官网网址淎ll 13 mayors have written letters of support, as well as the CRD,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ecause we live on an island, thereB次元官网网址檚 a finite amount of land. I really believe that this is the best option.B次元官网网址�
Martin was disappointed that marine transportation was deemed a long-term priority, not just because heB次元官网网址檚 been championing the project for a number of years, but because impending development around Royal Bay has created a new level of urgency.
He feels a full feasibility study is needed, and once the project is green lit it will still take another three or so years to build.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e building out our infrastructure now for Royal Bay and Royal Beach,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎nd that infrastructure is different with a static waterfront versus a dynamic waterfront.B次元官网网址�
Martin hopes to see the ferry corridor become a topic for local candidates in the provincial election.
READ ALSO: Colwood mayor pitches ferry as commuter alternative
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