Should bridges replace Sunshine Coast ferries? B.C. government plans "fixed link" study

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      Right now, if you drive to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver, you have to take a ferry.

      That's for the Lower Sunshine Coast, home to Sechelt. It's two ferries if you want to go on to Powell River and the Upper Sunshine Coast (and hike the Sunshine Coast Trail).

      Just like the bridge to Vancouver Island that will never happen, there's long been talk of an unbroken road connection to the Sunshine Coast.

      And now the B.C. government plans to look at whether a fixed link is actually doable.

      Today (September 18), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced a feasibility study on the "costs and benefits of a possible highway link" between the Sunshine Coast and Metro Vancouver.

      "A number of potential connections will be explored, with options ranging from a highway link around Jervis Inlet, to direct bridge connections along the coast. The costs and benefits of each will be assessed, and compared with ferry services," a news release states.

      The ministry plans to issue a request for proposals in order to retain a consulting company to conduct the study, with work on it expected to begin later this year.

      So what do you think? Should B.C. embark on a major road-and-bridge building project or should the Sunshine Coast keep its ferry-dependent charm?

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