Residents on Gabriola Island, B.C., located near Nanaimo, are advocating for the construction of a trail connecting the B.C. Ferries terminal to an existing pathway leading to the main village. The Gabriola Transportation Society’s representative, Steven Earle, expressed concerns about the growing chaos caused by the influx of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles arriving from the ferry. He highlighted the narrow roads, lack of shoulders, and absence of sidewalks as major safety issues, especially with the increasing number of cyclists and electric bike users.
Proposed as a solution to divert cyclists and pedestrians from the road, the envisioned 650-meter trail on Gabriola aims to link with the island’s current 1,400-meter trail that leads to the main village. Discussions for the trail began when the Ferry Advisory Committee was active, but ceased when the committees were disbanded. B.C. Ferries, planning upgrades at the Descanso Bay terminal, stated that the project is currently on hold, leading to uncertainty about its completion timeline.
B.C. Ferries acknowledged the need for collaboration among various jurisdictions, including the province, regional district, and Islands Trust, to move the project forward. Despite the complexity of involving multiple stakeholders, Earle emphasized the regional district’s responsibility to spearhead the trail project. RDN Electoral Area B Director Vanessa Craig supported the urgency for the trail and confirmed discussions with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit regarding the matter.
Identified as a priority in the area’s recreation and parks master plan, funding for the project plan is secured through the Community Works Fund. Earle emphasized the importance of ensuring the project’s timely progression and preventing potential delays. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit expressed openness to engaging in discussions with local partners, although no formal proposal is currently under review.