Investment will modernize transportation infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity across the Southern Gulf Islands
Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC – The Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island is expanding air transportation facilities in Ganges Harbour through a major infrastructure project designed to improve regional connectivity, transportation reliability, and access throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.
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. The upgraded facilities will support safer, more efficient, and higher-capacity movement of people and goods while improving year-round access to Salt Spring Island.
“As a vital transportation hub for the Southern Gulf Islands, Ganges Harbour plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and ensuring access to services,” said Russ Ellis, Executive Officer, Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island. “These upgrades will help improve reliability, safety, and capacity while positioning the harbour to meet the region’s evolving transportation needs.”
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 generate significant community benefits, including the creation of one new direct part-time position and 11 seasonal jobs, while supporting the expansion of existing businesses and social enterprises. Improved accessibility and connectivity will benefit residents, service providers, and visitors alike, including increased accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Designed with long-term resilience in mind, the infrastructure upgrades include features intended to improve stability and safety during extreme weather events, accommodate rising sea levels, and reduce environmental impacts through the use of durable, low-impact materials.
“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 Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “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.”
Island Coastal Economic Trust is contributing $200,000 toward the $1.2 million project through its Capital and Innovation Funding program, supporting the Trust’s investment priority of Transportation and Logistics.
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $406.5 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-213-7131
Russ Ellis
Executive Officer
Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island
harbour@hassi.ca
250-537-5711
