BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are informing transit users of an upcoming change to the Salt Spring Island Transit System effective June 25, 2026. As part of this service change, Route 9 service to Ruckle Park will start back up and remain in place until October 1, 2026. To better align with BC Ferries service, there will be changes made to the following routes: Route 2 Fulford Harbour Route 3 Vesuvius Route 4 Long Harbour Schedules on these routes have been adjusted to vary by the day of the week. Specific trip time and schedule changes can be found in the most recent Rider’s Guide. For more information on trip planning, fares or to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/salt-spring-island

Twenty-one joined this ASK Salt Spring conversation with our transportation experts, Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s (MoTT) Area Roads Manager Owen Page and Emcon’s Operations Manager Andrew Gaetz and Road Area Superintendent Craig Jantzi. After our Land Acknowledgement and a chance for each of us to introduce ourselves, we began to learn about the roles and responsibilities of our guests. We began with Andrew and Craig. Emcon, our roads maintenance contractor, is responsible for all of the provincial roads on Vancouver Island south from Crofton to Port Renfew, also including the Southern Gulf Islands and Salt Spring. Working closely with MoTT, their scope of responsibilities include emergency responses (largely snow and flood events) as well as road maintenance that spans from annual sweeping, brush cutting, mowing, ditching, and culvert replacement to pothole filling and smaller asphalt-replacement jobs. Unfortunately, some of their funding is also used to address…

As Salt Spring Island heads into the busy summer season, parking in and around Ganges becomes increasingly challenging — particularly on Saturday Market days, when roadsides and nearby neighbourhoods often fill with parked vehicles. Now, a creative new community partnership is transforming that challenge into an opportunity. Ganges Village Marketplace (“GVM”) — home to Country Grocer and other local businesses — has partnered with the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce to introduce a new designated paid parking area on Fulford-Ganges Road, across from Drake Road, at the former construction staging site. The initiative will help provide much-needed additional parking for busy Saturday Market days, helping reduce roadside and illegal parking while improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The project is an important step toward easing long-standing traffic pressures during the height of the summer season. But beyond solving a practical community issu…

Fifteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Island Pathways’ Robin Jenkinson to talk about Salt Spring’s proposed Salish Sea Trail. During her Land Acknowledgement, she reminded us that our trails today often follow age-old First Nations routes. We also learned that many of our roadbeds are artifact-rich as they were first constructed using crushed shells from local middens. When we introduced ourselves, we learned that participants at this gathering were a mixture of avid cyclists and those who do not feel safe enough cycling on Salt Spring. In addition to locals, we were pleased to welcome participants from Gabriola and Pender Islands to share their trail advocacy successes and challenges. Robin shared her “excitement and delight” with her recent visits to other islands, both to learn from them as well as to gain what she characterized as an archipelagic perspective. One outgrowth of this pan-island perspective is her recent acceptance of the coordination of…

What if our Archipelago were well connected by passenger-only ferries and safe, accessible walking and cycling pathways on every Southern Gulf Island? Imagine catching a small boat from Ganges—maybe even an electric passenger ferry like those now running in Norway and being piloted on the Sunshine Coast—bringing your bike along (or renting one when you arrive), and stepping onto a smooth, welcoming multi-use trail that leads you right into the heart of a village. This isn’t just a dream. It’s a vision already taking shape. The Salish Sea Inter-Island Transportation Society is helping lead the way through initiatives like Tour des Îles, Aqualink, and GoByBikeBC Week across Pender, Mayne, Saturna, Galiano, Salt Spring, and beyond this May–June. Across the Islands, communities are building pieces of a much larger network. On Pender Island, CRD and Moving Around Pender (MAP) recently completed a 2 km, three-metre-wide multi-use pathway connecting Magic Lake to th…

BC Transit and the Capital Regional District (CRD) are advising customers of a fare change to coincide with the spring service change, effective May 2, 2026. This spring service change includes an increase in Saturday service on Route 2 Fulford Harbour to align with the changing ferry schedule. Seasonal southbound service along Cusheon Lake Road and Stewart Road on select trips will also be added. Following a fare review conducted by BC Transit, the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission approved an increase in fares to align with the service change and reflect rising operating costs. This is the first fare increase since 2012 and the first increase to monthly pass fares since 2008. Please see the chart below for all the changes: For more information about trip planning, fares and schedules, please visit bctransit.com/salt-spring-island.

Drivers are advised that work to complete a new bridge on Fulford-Ganges Road will resume next week between Blackburn Lake and Cusheon Lake. Single-lane-alternating traffic will be in place on Fulford-Ganges Road near 2210 Fulford-Ganges Rd., about halfway between Blackburn and Cusheon lakes, on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., starting Monday, March 30, 2026. Occasional weekend work may also be required. This traffic pattern will remain in place for the duration of the project. Drivers should expect delays of as much as 15 minutes during active construction. Traffic will be maintained through the work zone as single-lane-alternating traffic, controlled by traffic lights operating 24 hours per day when required. Motorists should expect delays and plan for additional travel time. Signal timing will allow people walking or biking to cross safely during traffic stops. An alternative route is available for passenger vehicles, while commercial traffic is advised to con…

Ten joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Partners Creating Pathways team members Peter Meyer and Donald McLennan. After our Land Acknowledgment and an opportunity for participants to introduce themselves, Donald and Peter shared what “excited and delighted” them. Donald began by sharing his delight that, after a lengthy period of hibernation, Partners Creating Pathways have forged a new collaborative relationship with its traditional ally, the CRD. Once again, Partners Creating Pathways are celebrating concrete success developing and expanding the network of pathways around Ganges. His nearly 20 years as a Partner Creating Pathways volunteer under the inspired leadership of now retired chair Jean Gelwicks has been one of his most enjoyable life experiences. He also shared his satisfaction with his years as Chair of the now-dissolved CRD Transportation Commission and his success building benches all over Salt Spring, now numbering over 50! In closing, he also sh…

SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit and the Capital Regional District (CRD) are inviting BC Transit passengers and the public to share feedback on proposed fare changes. Engagement runs from today until January 25, 2026. This fare review will assess current prices and products to ensure that they strike the right balance between affordability, ridership growth, and cost recovery. Join us at an open house: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Rainbow Recreation Centre, 262 Rainbow Road The open house is an opportunity to share your thoughts on the proposed fare options, outlined below. If you are unable to attend, an online survey is available at engage.bctransit.com/ssi-fare-review. BC Transit and the CRD have developed three fare change options for consideration to help maintain and improve transit service: - Option 1: Gradual increase to align with inflation. This will see the fares increase from the current price of $2.25 to $3.00 by 2028 and month…

A delegation of Salt Spring Islanders representing Island Pathways travelled to the Capital Regional District (CRD) headquarters today, bringing a unified vision for the completion of the Salish Sea Trail Network in their presentation to the CRD Board of Directors. The group presented a case centred on connection and the transformative role multi-use trails play in community infrastructure. Moving beyond the concept of a simple recreational path, the delegation outlined a roadmap for a safer future, positioning the trail as a critical investment in active transportation that promises significant, sustainable and economic benefits for generations. Central to the presentation was the new Feasibility Study, which validates what cycling advocates on Salt Spring have long maintained: a separated, multi-use trail across the island from Fulford to Vesuvius is both possible and practical. The study details a "shovel-ready" plan with a rationalized cost of $63 million, ach…

CBC's All Points West with Jason D'Souza will interview Island Pathways live this afternoon at 4:45pm about Salt Spring's cross-island trail plans. LISTEN HERE -> https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93-all-points-west What the Study Shows: “Yes — Salt Spring has room for a trail.” The new Salt Spring Island Regional Trail Feasibility Study (2025) assessed the entire 21 km corridor from Fulford → Ganges → Vesuvius and found that most of the MoTI right-of-way can accommodate a separated, multi-use trail — with a traffic-calmed local street to bypass the Vesuvius curves and short stretches of sidewalk + bike lane in Ganges. The Study confirms that a safe walking and cycling pathway across the island is not only possible — it’s practical, buildable, and within reach with community support. The total estimate is $63M, but $25M of that is Ganges Hill alone, which should now cost less. (Keep in mind that the CRD is spending over $50M right now to widen 6 km of the Lochside …

A 3-metre-wide walking and cycling trail, separated from the road, could someday soon link Fulford to Vesuvius — connecting our ferry terminals, villages, and neighbourhoods with a safe, all-ages route across Salt Spring. Can you imagine walking or cycling, stress-free to the ferry or to town to visit a friend? This trail would connect Salt Spring with the multi-use trail networks already built throughout Victoria and the Cowichan Valley -- and represents one of the smartest local investments we can make right now. Island Pathways needs your help to keep up momentum and advocacy towards this legacy project. Why This Month Matters This November and December, the Capital Regional District (CRD) will be presented with a preliminary design and feasibility study for the multi-use pathway following Fulford-Ganges Road, Lower Ganges Road, and Vesuvius Bay Road. This is a pivotal moment for public support. Mark your calendar: * Nov 26, 2025 — CRD Regional Parks Committee (…

Over the past week, I ferried, bicycled, and walked across Salt Spring, Pender, and Mayne Islands—not just to log kilometres for GoByBikeBC Week, but to understand what’s happening on the ground with trail-building and active transportation. Each island is approaching the same questions: How do we accelerate construction of multi-use pathways for all ages and abilities? What began as a chance to ride bikes with friends has taught me more about how to connect with these communities and movements, to better create the world we want to build. Local Efforts, Shared Goals Apple Fest launched the adventure, and we rode along Salt Spring Island village pathways built over the years by a small group of volunteers, including retired engineers like Nigel Denyer, my Apple Fest cycling companion. These volunteers worked behind the scenes to provide low-cost designs, surveys, and grant-based fundraising with government partners. Those gravel walking paths have changed our world for th…

SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are announcing seasonal changes to the transit system, effective October 1, 2025. As part of this service change, trip times are being seasonally adjusted to better align with ferry schedules on the following routes: Route 2 Fulford Harbour Route 3 Vesuvius Route 4 Long Harbour Other changes include the seasonal discontinuation of Route 9 Ruckle Park and fewer Saturday trips on Route 2 Fulford Harbour. Weekday morning trips are being adjusted on Route 5 Walker’s Hook. Route 7 Cusheon Lake will also start running counterclockwise via Cusheon Lake Road and Beddis Road, with new bus stops in effect. Check with the most recent Rider’s Guide for updated schedules. Due to the new bridge construction on Fulford-Ganges Road at Cusheon Creek there is a risk there could be delays on Route 2 Fulford Harbour. BC Transit is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to minimize the impact on t…

September 5 Nine joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Brian Webster and Gary Holman (also our Electoral Director). Aptly facilitated by Grant Fredrickson, comprehensive notes were taken by Julie Thomson - thanks, team! While they were open to any LCC questions, the main topic for discussion was to solicit feedback about the proposal to increase the taxation ceiling for our bus system. While this will not necessarily result in higher taxes for our transit system this year, this increase will give the LCC the ability to raise taxes for this service over the years as needed. While this decision rests with Gary as our Electoral Director , it has a major impact on the future of our bus system. Losses during COVID and increasing costs, plus a diminishing operating reserve, have combined to make it imperative that the taxation limit for our bus system be increased to continue current levels of service as well as expand as needed. …

Sixteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming Andrew Gaetz, Emcon (our roads maintenance contractor) Operations Manager, and Owen Page, Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) Area Manager. Owen’s MoTT responsibility includes Salt Spring and Saturna Islands as well as the entire CRD region from Point Renfrew south. Working closely with Emcon, his responsibilities include overseeing operations and maintenance of the provincial roads in his area. While in the information loop, large projects, like Ganges Hill, are managed by other departments. Emcon’s Andrew has a huge span of responsibility on Vancouver Island from Chemainus south and all the Gulf Islands. Despite this large area, participants heard Andrew repeatedly illustrate his efforts to listen to Salt Springers and do what he can to better maintain our roads. He and his crew do everything they can within their time and financial constraints to address our hundreds of kilometers of roads. After …

Drivers are advised that starting next week, single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect on Fulford-Ganges Road between Blackburn Road and Horel Road West. Work will be starting to replace culverts at Cusheon Creek with a new bridge. The contractor is scheduled to work weekdays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., with occasional work outside these hours and on weekends if required. Drivers should expect delays as long as 20 minutes when construction crews are working. This traffic pattern will remain in place through December 2025, and will resume in April 2026 to complete final paving on the new bridge. A single-lane, temporary detour bridge will be in place during construction. - Signs will help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to share the road safely. - Traffic-control personnel will direct pedestrians and cyclists crossing during traffic stops. - Parking at Blackburn Lake will be closed during construction, but pedestrian access will remain open. - Commercia…

The Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership (SGITP), a nonprofit and community destination management organization (CDMO), is reshaping what tourism means for the island communities and local businesses it represents. The goal? To create a regenerative tourism model that has a net positive impact here. Which means, many of the projects the SGITP works towards aren't "just marketing" initiatives, but instead raise visitor awareness and promote behaviours that ease pressure on the biggest community-wide challenges: water conservation, transit and biking access, and affordable housing. Who/What Is SGITP? Spun from a grassroots concept in 2016 and formalized with Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) funding in 2019, the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership is a small yet mighty regional nonprofit spanning Salt Spring, Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna. Today, it's headed by Executive Director Jamie Sterling and a volunteer Board with representatives on eve…

Pack for a Purpose: How to Travel with Intention and Impact Presented by: Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Program. As a child, I remember evenings when I would turn my nose up after sitting down to dinner - “Yuck, Zucchini Surprise Again!” Which would follow promptly with a stern warning from my mother - "Children are starving in Africa, Eat Up!" In my mind - "We should send it right over!" Two decades passed before I travelled to Africa, but her words had made an impact. I loaded up on art supplies to stuff in the crevices of my backpack before heading off, and I was glad I did. I wasn’t prepared, nor will I ever forget, the level of gratitude and pure joy the children expressed over a few craft supplies! What seemed almost insignificant to me brought immense joy to children in need, solidifying the core lesson: small gestures can make a difference. Another two decades have passed since that experience. These days, several organizations enable travell…

June 27: Twenty-nine joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome BC Ferries’ CEO/President Nicolas Jimenez and Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing, Lindsay Matthews. Salt Springers came to learn and ask questions, including our elected officials as well many current and former ferry employees. Our guests received the full Salt Spring experience as Lindsay was slightly tardy due to the Ganges Hill construction as was Nicolas due to a mechanical issue on the Crofton Ferry. They both arrived with smiles on their faces, glad to be with us for this ASK Salt Spring gathering. After offering our Land Acknowledgement, Nicolas began by telling us that BC Ferries is a huge system and that many decisions address systemwide concerns. While win/win solutions are always sought, there are times when the best solution for the entire network is not the best for one of the components of this network. The first question referenced the recent dissolution of the Ferry Adv…

SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are announcing seasonal changes to the transit system, effective May 3, 2025. This spring service change includes an increase in Saturday service on route 2 Fulford Harbour to meet the first ferry of the day and re-introduce seasonal southbound service along Cusheon Lake Road and Stewart Road on select trips. Changes are being made to Route 3 Vesuvius and Route 4 Long Harbour to better align with ferry schedules. Check with the most recent Rider’s Guide for updated schedules. We encourage our customers to use the Transit App, Google Transit or any other app of their choice for real-time bus tracking and planning your next transit journey. For more information on trip planning, fares and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/salt-spring-island.