A much better solution would be a new terminal at the south side of the airport, and another one on Galliano Island.
Two 1500m bridges between Galliano and Salt Spring.
One 1200m bridge between Salt Spring and Vancouver Island.
From the terminal (including bridges), you would have an additional 25-28km of road needed on both the Mainland and the islands.
Because you'd end up further north, however, it would add a total of 45km of more Road.
The ferry trip would be 32km instead of 45km. Given that the last few kilometres have to be at slower speeds through the channel, I think you could probably due the run in 45-50min.
The extra 45km would mean another 30min. into Victoria, but that would be made up with less time needed on the Vancouver side.
Of course, Galliano and Salt-Spring may turn into a commuter's paradise, but I don't think it would be as bad as people imagine.
In addition, there are already direct ferries to these Islands FROM the Mainland, so they can't really say they're any less able to be a suburb now as it is.
What's MORE likely, is that you provide a better connection between these two islands and main Island.
Losers in this scenario:
- The People on Galliano and Salt Spring. You'd see more people living there... but mostly people from Vancouver Island. The increased Ferry frequency may get some mainlanders, as well.
- People in Sydney. While the Terminal would likely still be around to serve the Gulf Islands (as it's closer to Victoria), they would need to travel 30min. to get to the Mainland.
Mixed:
- People in Tsawassen. They have to travel 30minutes to get to the terminal. But they no longer have ferry traffic.
- Tourists. Easy transfer from the Airport directly to Ferries. But the most beautiful part of the trip would be missed. There would be other ferries they could take, mind you.
- Victorians. Overall better service. Shorter trip time, but less time spent on the Ferry. That means more time spent in traffic getting to the Ferry.
The winners:
- Vancouver Islander (Main island). Better access to Salt Spring and Galliano, and the ability to move there and commute into Victoria.
- Richmondites. Well, duh.
- Transit users. It would be very close to the Canada Line. As in Shuttle bus distance.
- Metro Vancouverites. The travel time would be reduced. The frequency of the ferries could be increased.
- BC Ferries. More efficient use of Ferries and no need to slow down as there is no travel through the channel. Less Dangerous as well. Able to increase frequency on the most popular route without adding more ships. They may also be able to remove the
- Nanaimonians. An extra terminal south of the city, with a close link to YVR a short ferry ride away.
Thoughts?
If you looking at a map, the Galliano Terminal would be on the North end of the Island. Though it could be located at the existing one as well. Between Galliano and Salt-Spring it would island hop to a small seemingly uninhabited island in the middle of the Straight.