Expansion of Salt Spring Island Air Facility
The expansion of air transportation facilities in Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island will modernize critical infrastructure serving the Southern Gulf Islands, supporting safer, more efficient, and higher-capacity movement of people and goods throughout the region.
Upgrades to air transportation facilities in Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island will improve regional connectivity, expand seaplane capacity, and support safer, more reliable access for residents, businesses, and visitors across the Southern Gulf Islands. (Image by Harbour Air)
Overview
The project includes the installation of two new seaplane docks and additional transient moorage to better accommodate growing demand from residents, visitors, commercial operators, and neighbouring island communities. These upgrades will improve operational reliability and capacity while enhancing year-round access to the harbour and Salt Spring Island.
As a key transportation hub for the region, Ganges Harbour plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting tourism, facilitating service delivery, and enabling emergency response. The expanded facility will help reduce transportation bottlenecks, improve safety, and strengthen regional connectivity for passengers, vessels, and aircraft operators.
The project positions the harbour to meet evolving transportation needs while supporting long-term economic growth and resilience across the region.
The Trust is investing in this project through the Capital and Innovation funding program, focusing on the Trust’s priority to develop Transportation and Logistics projects.
Wellbeing Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
This project will strengthen transportation access and reliability for island residents, businesses, visitors, and service providers. Increased seaplane capacity and moorage infrastructure will support tourism growth, improve access to essential services, and create opportunities for new and expanding businesses.
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
Two new businesses
Expansion of 15 existing businesses
One new social enterprise
Expansion of three existing social enterprises
Seven new partnerships
Climate Resiliency
Incorporating infrastructure designed for improved stability and safety during extreme weather
Future-proofing facilities for rising sea levels
Utilizing durable, low-impact materials that reduce environmental disturbance and emissions
Cultural Vitality
Improving access to community celebrations, markets, and cultural experiences across the region.