Travel & Transportation

Rant: Road Work Salt Spring Style?

I’m not the kind of person to rant. I’m more of a ‘let’s be creative and craft good ideas’ kind of person. But this? This would seem to deserve a rant. I can't see the creativity or the crafting of good ideas here. Maybe I'm missing something? Clear road lines on narrow, winding, often shoulderless, wet island roads are vital for safety. We waited, again, for years to have decent lines re-painted on the island (Side rant why do paint lines on the island hardly last?). So when we recently had some of the lines on our islands roads redone, I, like many, were delighted that locals and visitors had some better sense of what their side of the road looks like. Now, not less than a few weeks after the lines are down, at great cost, effort and environmental expense, road crews patched up and down Fulford-Ganges intermittently covering up a good bit of sections of all the fresh paint. I'm grateful the roadwork was done, but why it couldn’t have been done before the paint should…

Salt Spring Chamber - Green Tourism Canada Accredited

The Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce has again been recognized and re-accredited by Green Tourism Canada. We become Canada’s first Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre to become accredited members of Green Tourism Canada in 2016. Our “silver” re-accreditation was made official on August 3rd, 2018. We are proud to be working within this program to show our commitment to environmental sustainability and to promote Salt Spring Island’s reputation as an eco-friendly community where business and nature work together in harmony! The following was in our accreditation report from Green Tourism Canada: “The Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre is a good representative of their Island. From both perspectives they heavily support their members and community and under the direction of Janet Clouston they have an environmental warrior at the heart of it all. Most supported initiatives have an environmental and cultural stance, like "Every Drop Counts", "Shop Local…

Video: Bike Park Build in Progress

Update: New photos of the bike park in progress coming in. New wooden trail features are now install. The new bike park will be open soon. Stay tuned for updates on the opening day announcement. Well Salt Spring Island families and kids are in for a real treat. The amazing local team behind the creation of the Salt Spring Lions Memorial Bike Park appears to making something really special that fits in with our community values of preserve and protect. We went and had a little tour of the land shaping work in progress and the feel is really lovely. Our community will have a wonderful, safe, nature based activity area that is certain to be a great resource for locals and visitors alike. It appears tremendous care is being taken to work with the existing forest while also creating a great resource for active kids. Check out the video of our walk around this afternoon: .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-…

Interpretive Panels Moves Forward with Boost from Heritage Legacy Fund

Island Pathways is receiving a much-needed boost of $4100 to support its interpretive panels program, which will highlight the history of heritage locations and building along the Ganges Village Pathway Network. The funding comes through the Heritage Legacy Fund, the only provincial grant program that supports heritage conservation, awareness, planning and Indigenous partnership projects. Island Pathways will be partnering with the SSI Historical Society, the Japanese Garden Society, the Museum at the Farmers’ Institute and others who know the history of SSI much better than we do, to create and install historical panels along the GVPN. Many people walk/cycle the GVPN including tourists and other visitors. The pathways are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. They are true community spaces and they are well used by the four schools in the area, dog walkers, visitors, seniors living in the many senior’s residences downtown and everyone else who…

Salt Spring Lions Memorial Bike Park Set to Begin

Construction of the Salt Spring Lions Memorial Bike Park is set to begin this week in the southeast corner of Mouat Park adjacent to the ArtSpring upper parking lot. Trail building is expected to last through July with the goal of opening the Bike Park to young riders in August. Additional fencing, landscaping and habitat restoration work will carry onto into the fall. The CRD awarded the trail building contract to local company Charlie’s Excavating. Hiring locally was one of the goals expressed by the Salt Spring Lions Club who made a substantial donation to the project. “The Salt Spring Lions Club is proud to add another quality project to their list of accomplishments which include Portlock Park, Pioneer Village, the Skate Park and many others” said Lions member Dave Carlson. The Lions will also be volunteering during the construction phase to help install wooden fencing. Planning for the Bike Park project has been underway for more than a year. Extensive site analy…

EV Show: Electrifying Enlightenment

After visiting the electric car show at the farmer’s institute this weekend I became curious about these vehicles and so decided to do some research. Electric vehicles on Salt Spring have become increasingly popular due to their cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and energy adeptness. Tesla, BMW, Nissan, Ford, and Smart Car have all been named as some of the best manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs), the car prices range from the high price of $101,500 to $23,800. Electric vehicles may cost more initially than gas-powered cars, however, in the long run, EVs are cheaper to operate; the most significant cost decrease will be from fuel no longer being a necessity, and since gas on Salt Spring is at a current high compared to past prices this aspect of electric cars is definitely worth their upfront price. Not only are the motors of electric vehicles quiet but they require far less maintenance than gas-powered cars, and their AEV motors are highly responsive with …

Summer Service Expansion Coming to Salt Spring Island

Starting Wednesday, June 27, bus riders on Salt Spring Island will enjoy expanded summer transit service, which will make it easier to get to the Fulford Harbour and Vesuvius Bay ferry terminals later in the evening.

Changes include expanding the Monday through Thursday evening schedules for routes 2 Fulford Harbour and 6 Salt Spring Connector, so that they more closely match Friday evening service levels.

Regular seasonal changes, also effective June 27, will include the return of route 9 Ruckle Park, which connects Fulford Harbour with Beaver Point and Ruckle Park.

Customers should also be advised that the temporary rerouting of all trips servicing Walkers Hook remains in effect, with routes 5 Fernwood and 6 Salt Spring Connector turning around at Ross and Walkers Hook until road upgrades are complete.

Fall servic…

Calling for Creative Bus Shelter Designs

Island Bus Shelters is a new group of community volunteers. In collaboration with the Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission (SSITC), we are inviting artists and designer/fabricator teams to submit proposals for creative bus shelters to recommend to the Capital Regional District. Project Philosophy - Salt Spring’s charm lies in its rural character and the absence of homogenized urban features. We are arts and tourism driven. A hand-crafted bus shelter expresses who we are as a community. Salt Spring is not about following the lead of other communities or accepting conventions; we are confident in going our own way. The Official Community Plan provides a clear mandate: “We … accept our responsibility to be the stewards of our island home..... to ensure that it remains rural..... We appreciate the extraordinary artistic and creative talents among our residents.” Bus shelters can be a form of public art and an expression of our unique island home. To source bus shelter…

Free Boaters Shuttle to Salt Spring's Upper Ganges Village Shopping Centre

This unique FREE service offers the convenience of picking Boaters up at their marina and bringing them to Upper Ganges Village Shopping Centre, with Country Grocer the largest grocery store of the Gulf Islands; an amply provisioned Liquor Store, a Pharmasave and Uptown Pizza. After shopping the Shuttle will return you to your marina! All this for FREE! Service is provided between 10 AM -6 PM, seven days a week. Just call for pick up or have your marina call 250-538-2398. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLWsfJXsKrg

BC Ferries Launches Online Engagement for Swartz Bay

BC Ferries announced today the launch of an online engagement platform for community input to help shape future plans for Swartz Bay terminal. The online engagement effort is part of a broader community engagement program BC Ferries announced earlier in May, which includes meetings with key stakeholders and pop-up sessions at the terminal in late May and early June. This program runs through to fall 2018 and will gather community feedback to better understand the important role the terminal plays in communities’ and customers’ travel experience, and the regional transportation network. Following the pop up sessions and online engagement, BC Ferries will report back to the community on what we heard. The feedback provided through all engagement efforts will inform design concepts for the terminal, taking into account BC Ferries’ and the community’s collective needs. BC Ferries will come back to the community and customers with possible design options, and collect feed…

Tour des Iles Festival - Explore Our Beautiful Islands

The Tour des Iles Festival (TDIF) is big and getting bigger – and we want you to be a part of it! Our Fourth Annual Festival is taking place June 22, 23, and 24, 2018. All day inter-island small boat service will connect you to Pender, Saturna, Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne Islands. Courtesy shuttles, with knowledgeable and friendly local drivers, will take passengers to island attractions, such as art galleries, markets, and natural wonders. Combining art, music, food, outdoor recreation and each island’s unique cultural activities, TDIF is the one of the fastest growing Festivals on the islands, and lets island residents and visitors alike see up close what makes the Southern Gulf Islands a world-renowned tourist destination. “This is a wonderful festival!” says Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich and the Southern Gulf Islands. “I can think of no better way than to celebrate in the natural beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. I hope to see you all there!” The annual Tour…

Long Harbour Terminal Upgrade - Parking Lot Will Be Temporarily Closed

Please be advised that BC Ferries will have a contractor onsite at Long Harbour Terminal between Tuesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 8, 2018 to upgrade the drainage system. This work is not expected to affect sailing operations. Work will include excavation in the 48-hour customer parking lot, which must be vacant by Monday, February 5, 2018 to allow for setup. As construction vehicles will be operating at the terminal, customers are asked to follow the direction of staff and traffic control contractors. Equipment being used may increase the normal sound levels within the terminal between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. All efforts will be made to minimize noise. BC Ferries would like to thank our customers and neighbours for their understanding as we complete the necessary work.

Video: Discover Yourself on Salt Spring Island!

Discover yourself on Salt Spring Island! We have so much to share from music to arts, farm to table bounty, ocean adventures, connection to nature and wellness. When can you get here? .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

BC Ferries Going Smoke and eCigarette Free

BC Ferries is pleased to advise customers that the company will be introducing a smoke - free environment in all BC Ferries locations, including terminals and vessels starting January 22, 2018 . This also includes the interior of all vehicles on BC Ferries property. “This new policy support s the health and wellness of our customers and our employees by reducing exposure to second - hand smoke ,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “ The policy aligns with other transportation services and ensures everyone using our services can breathe smoke - free air.” The new smoke - free policy applies to tobacco and any other substance including e-cigarettes, and is expected to reduce the number of complaints BC Ferries receives from customers related to second - hand smoke. BC Ferries will make regular announcements regarding the new policy on board the vessels and at the terminals, and will place signage on board the vessels and on shore as a reminder of th…

Assistance with New Regulations Restricting Passengers From Closed Car Decks

Tomorrow marks the implementation of Transport Canada regulations that restrict passengers from remaining in their vehicles on closed car decks. BC Ferries understands this change impacts customers that need to remain in their vehicles. BC Ferries wants to help where possible. Customers needing to remain in their vehicles should identify themselves at the ticket booth when they arrive, so BC Ferries can try and accommodate their request. BC Ferries’ staff at the terminals and on board the vessels will assist customers wherever possible with the new policy to ensure a smooth implementation. On larger vessels that have both an upper and lower vehicle deck, customers will be able to remain in their vehicles on the upper vehicle deck only. For customers with special circumstances that need to remain in their vehicles on these vessels, BC Ferries recommends they arrive at the terminal early, so staff can make every effort to accommodate their request. “We recognize …

CRD Land Purchase Connects Trincomali Heights with Dunbabin Park

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has purchased three lots totaling three acres (1.21 hectares) for park purposes off of Stark's Road on Salt Spring Island. The lots have been purchased through the Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) Park Land Acquisition Fund for $34,500. “The acquisition not only connects two trail networks but also expands Dunbabin Park to include large cedars and firs, making it a beautiful addition to our parks and trail system,” said Wayne McIntyre, CRD Electoral Area Director. Connecting Trincomali Heights with Dunbabin Park has been attempted multiple times since 2003, with staff and volunteers attempting to connect the Trincomali Heights trail to Starks Road through statutory right of ways. The lot purchase takes advantage of an opportunity to join two trail networks that were separated by private properties. With the land acquisition complete, PARC will work with surrounding residents and trail enthusiasts to develop a…

BC Ferries To Ban Smoking on All Vessels and at All Terminals

BC Ferries announced today that as of January 22, 2018, the company will introduce a smoke-free environment on board all of its vessels and at its terminals. This coincides with National Non-Smoking Week, which runs from January 21 to 28, 2018. Last year, the Province amended regulations for no smoking buffer zones around any doorway, intake or open window to any public or workplace from three metres to six metres. Due to the physical space available from doors on the outer decks of BC Ferries’ large vessels and on the vehicle decks of smaller vessels, the new regulation means all vessels will need to become smoke-free environments. In reviewing our policy on smoking in remaining areas, BC Ferries is choosing to introduce a smoke-free environment on all BC Ferries properties, including vessels, terminals and other operations, to support the health and wellness of our passengers and employees. “BC Ferries made the decision to provide a smoke-free environment for th…

BC Ferries - New Closed Vehicle Deck Space Regulations

On October 11, 2017, BC Ferries will harmonize its safety practices with Canadian ferry operators relating to Transport Canada regulations that prohibit passengers from remaining in their vehicle on any closed deck on a vessel that is underway. Since 2007, BC Ferries has been complying with Transport Canada regulations by maintaining a continuous car deck patrol. BC Ferries and Transport Canada recently re-examined the policy and in an effort to coordinate safety practices will change the application of the regulation. On larger vessels with both an upper and lower vehicle deck, customers will still be able to remain in their vehicles on the upper vehicle deck. Customers with special circumstances may make a request at the ticket booth to be placed on the upper vehicle deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request. “The regulations relate to safety, and the safety of our passengers and employees is a core value for BC Ferries,” said Cap…

Salish Raven Enters Service Early - Queen of Nanaimo Out

BC Ferries’ newest vessel replaces Queen of Nanaimo starting Thurs., Aug 3 - BC Ferries announced today Salish Raven, the third of three new Salish Class ships will start service on the Tsawwassen - Southern Gulf Islands route on Thurs., Aug 3. Its inaugural sailing will depart Tsawwassen at 2:45 p.m. The company has worked diligently to fast track the ship into service to ensure smooth sailing for the remainder of the summer. “The 53-year old Queen of Nanaimo, which is set to retire from the BC Ferries’ fleet this fall, experienced a mechanical problem with the starboard controllable pitch propeller last week and repair plans continue for that the vessel,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “Engineers have been unable to determine the root cause of the problem with the Queen of Nanaimo as yet, so we are focusing our crew resources into getting the new ship, Salish Raven, into service sooner than we had originally planned.” Sa…

Queen of Nanaimo Crew Rescues Seven After Mayday Call

Please be advised that the Queen of Nanaimo is currently operating 83 minutes behind schedule due to responding to a marine emergency. The vessel heard a Mayday distress call on their radio and aided in rescuing 7 people from a boat that ran aground. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of this sailing delay. We request customers with reservations to check in at the terminals in accordance with the scheduled sailing times to maintain their reserved status.

BC Ferries Unveils Salish Raven Hull Wrap

Earlier this week at BC Ferries’ Richmond refit facility, the wrap adorning the hull of Salish Raven was unveiled to Musqueam First Nation’s Thomas Cannell, who designed the artwork that was revealed in February of this year. Coast Salish artist Thomas Cannell’s design depicts the beauty of the powerful, intelligent raven. His bold vision of this majestic bird certainly engages his audience with a new style of Coast Salish art. Salish Raven will enter service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route later this fall. The vessel recently completed a 10,440 nautical mile journey from Gdansk, Poland. It features two car decks and has a service speed of 15.5 knots, powered by three dual-fuel Wartsila 8L20DF engines.