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.

SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are informing customers of a service change, effective February 3, 2025. As part of this service change, minor changes are being made to the trip times on certain trips to help with service reliability due to construction delays on Fulford-Ganges Road. The following routes will be impacted: Route 1 Ganges Local Route 2 Fulford Harbour Route 5 Fernwood Route 7 Cusheon Lake Please see the online Rider’s Guide for full details. For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/salt-spring-island.

More than 30 years ago, I wrote a column “Don’t Tell Mom, But I Picked Up a Hitchhiker” when I was a cub reporter at a small town newspaper in Michigan about my first time giving a stranger a ride. By then, hitchhiking already felt like something from a bygone era. In most places, the free-spirited 1970s—where Sissy Hankshaw, the protagonist in the Tom Robbins novel “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” could excel as a hitchhiker due to her outsized thumbs—had been replaced by a more fearful society replete with tales of stranger danger. As a result, it came as a welcome surprise to learn before my first visit to BC in 1997 that we didn’t need a car to Salt Spring because hitchhiking was commonplace. The whole visit, including camping in Mouat Park, felt like stepping back in time. Discovering how safe and easy it was to hitchhike on SSI was liberating. Since moving to the island last year, I’ve returned the favour by giving about a dozen rides to hitchhikers, some of whom h…

Hello fellow islanders ... As many know we have been having some issues with the Vesuvius ferry camera. We fixed one issue to now be facing another (Dang it!) ... we have had to bring in some skilled help for this one. We are working on it, fingers crossed it will all be fixed up shortly. Thanks so much for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!

A significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island. Downed power lines, debris and fallen trees have resulted in multiple highway closures on the island. Drivers are advised to avoid travel for the remainder of Tuesday night, Nov. 19, and into the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Highways closed include: Highway 4 from Highway 4A (Errington) to Port Alberni, and from Port Alberni to Tofino/Ucluelet junction Highway 14 west of Sooke Highway 18 at Hillcrest Highway 28 from Gold River to Campbell River Pacific Marine Circle Route Drivers can expect additional closures as the storm moves through. Environment Canada warns that strong southeasterly winds will continue throughout the night and into Wednesday morning but should ease late in the day on Wednesday. As soon as its safe to do so, maintenance contractors will begin clearing debris, and BC Hydro is prioritizing repairs to the many power outages across the island. For additional updates, drivers ca…

Congratulations on the opening of the new Emergency Department of the Lady Minto hospital. Why is an EV guy saying that, especially in his EV oriented Driftwood column ? Before I answer that, an update. You may have heard that the Transition Salt Spring - EV Group has completed its missions and closed its doors. True. That is because our mission of education is now being supported by government (including generous purchase incentives), industry (BC Hydro) and many other organizations. EVs are now mainstream. If we look at our other mission of EV charging infrastructure on Salt Spring, there are a host of free public chargers and the long needed pay-for-use DCFC (super high speed) charging is now coming to the new Fire Hall and the Co-op gas station. Those high speed chargers will be available for really busy vehicles like taxis, delivery and emergency vehicles and of course, tourists. That pretty well completes our group missions, so we disbanded. But I do notice th…

Hi Folks! Just a little PSA: Vesuvius Ferry Cams have been down all weekend, we have been working to get them back online - a little blip in the system! Hopefully they will be back up tomorrow, fingers crossed!! We know these are much used service for many of you that take this route regularly, so we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Hopefully we won't see this ominous black "connecting" screen for much longer!