Project Title:

Expansion of Salt Spring Island Air Facility

Project Organization:

Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $200,000
  • Total Budget: $1,213,578

Project Highlight:

The expansion of air transportation facilities in Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island will modernize critical infrastructure serving the Southern Gulf Islands, supporting safer, more efficient, and higher-capacity movement of people and goods throughout the region.

The project includes the installation of two new seaplane docks and additional transient moorage to better accommodate growing demand from residents, visitors, commercial operators, and neighbouring island communities. These upgrades will improve operational reliability and capacity while enhancing year-round access to the harbour and Salt Spring Island.

As a key transportation hub for the region, Ganges Harbour plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting tourism, facilitating service delivery, and enabling emergency response. The expanded facility will help reduce transportation bottlenecks, improve safety, and strengthen regional connectivity for passengers, vessels, and aircraft operators.

The project positions the harbour to meet evolving transportation needs while supporting long-term economic growth and resilience across the region.

The Trust is investing in this project through the Capital and Innovation funding program, focusing on the Trust’s priority to develop Transportation and Logistics projects.

Wellbeing Impact

The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.

This project will strengthen transportation access and reliability for island residents, businesses, visitors, and service providers. Increased seaplane capacity and moorage infrastructure will support tourism growth, improve access to essential services, and create opportunities for new and expanding businesses.

Economic Prosperity 

This project strengthens the local economy by enabling:

  • Two new businesses
  • Expansion of 15 existing businesses
  • One new social enterprise
  • Expansion of three existing social enterprises
  • Seven new partnerships

Social Empowerment

The project supports social empowerment through:

  • Creation of one new direct part-time job
  • Creation of 11 new seasonal jobs
  • Eight new volunteer opportunities
  • Improved community accessibility and connectivity
  • Increased accessibility for persons with disabilities

Climate Resiliency

The project contributes to climate resiliency by:

  • Incorporating infrastructure designed for improved stability and safety during extreme weather
  • Future-proofing facilities for rising sea levels
  • Utilizing durable, low-impact materials that reduce environmental disturbance and emissions

Cultural Vitality

The project will strengthen cultural vitality by:

  • Improving access to community celebrations, markets, and cultural experiences across the region.