The Province is eager to improve passenger transportation between communities — but first, decision-makers want to hear your perspective.
How do you get around Vancouver Island, coastal B.C., and the Sunshine Coast? With our combination of remote and rural communities separated by land and water, staying connected can be challenging. Do you know of transportation innovations that could be used to strengthen connections between communities? What modes of transportation, such as buses, ferries, water taxis, float planes, and community shuttles, might best help residents get to work, school and medical appointments, pick up groceries and supplies, and visit family and friends?
Have your say at the survey here!
Island Coastal Economic Trust (the Trust) and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) have joined forces to conduct this study, with the help of consulting firm MNP. A report summarizing what was heard will be shared this summer with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to help inform future policy and investment decisions in our region.
“We’re grateful for ideas and creative solutions to improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and affordability of transportation options between island and coastal communities as we work together to build an inclusive coastal economy that strengthens the wellbeing of all people and our environment,” says Brodie Guy, CEO of The Trust.
“Transportation is a foundation of economic development, connecting us to healthcare, work, school, recreation and friends and family. It’s one of the ways we improve quality of life in our region,” says Julie Sperber, President and CEO of VIEA.
Innovative solutions connect Vancouver Island and Coastal communities
Thanks to the hard work of community leaders, there are already many locally focused transportation studies; the Island Coastal Inter-Community Transportation Study aims to capture a big picture perspective by building upon this work. In addition to reviewing these previous studies and administering the online survey, the Trust and VIEA are meeting with local governments, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, community groups, and inter-community transportation providers.
“We’re excited to hear about the innovative solutions communities may already have in place, and are looking forward to working with them to grow those initiatives to improve passenger transportation on Vancouver Island and parts of coastal B.C., including the Sunshine Coast,” Sperber says.
“We’re eager to hear from as many different people as we can, and that means ensuring our study is as open and accessible as possible,” Guy adds. “An important part of our work on this study is to understand the experiences, perspectives, and priorities of Indigenous people and transportation options to/from First Nations communities. We’re grateful for insights Indigenous people are willing to share with us for this project, and to reciprocate by working together on the ideas and solutions that come forward.”
Fill out the survey to help shape our region’s future! Results of the study will be used by the Province to help inform future planning, and will help shape a community investment granting program. Plus, five $100 VISA gift cards will be awarded at random to participants who complete the survey by the deadline (June 30, 2023).
How to participate
The study is open to residents across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, including islands and inlet communities from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution - with the exception of the Greater Victoria region:
- North Vancouver Island and the Broughton Archipelago
- Strathcona
- qathet and Desolation Sound
- Comox Valley
- Pacific Rim and Alberni Valley
- Sunshine Coast
- Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach
- Cowichan Valley and Juan de Fuca
- Southern Gulf Islands
The survey is open now HERE, and must be completed by June 30, 2023. Questions or suggestions? Email registrations.bc@mnp.ca.