To the Editor,
Re: Build bridge to Gabriola to bring savings, Letters, May 17.
I propose the following solution to the problem.
Build a bridge, with a small toll, to Gabriola, from Dodd Narrows possibly, and new terminals at Gabriola and Richmond with service from the new Gabriola terminal to both Richmond and Tsawwassen.
Eliminate the Departure Bay, Duke Point and Gabriola Island terminals, freeing up some popular industrial or commercial waterfront property.
Shut Duke Point first with salvageable ramp equipment, etc., used to help start the new terminal on Gabriola. Then shut Departure Bay with the same idea.
Other possibilities: keep the Nanaimo-side Gabriola slip to barge trucks, trailers and other heavy equipment to the mainland and also start a fast ferry foot passenger system from the same spot.
This would shorten crossing times, save fuel costs and bypass a lot of traffic through Vancouver and still retain good union-paying jobs. Win-win.
Dave Endrizzi
Nanaimo