The island

Denman survey finds concern over ferry traffic and terminal plans

A Friends of Denman Forests survey of 450 residents found widespread concern about summer traffic and the proposed Gravelly Bay terminal expansion.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2023-05-26 · compiled 2026-10-09

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A survey by Friends of Denman Forests found that 86% of respondents reported exceptionally long ferry waits, while 83% said they felt unsafe on island roads because of cars speeding to the ferry. The survey was completed by 450 Denman residents.^[1]

On the proposed Gravelly Bay terminal expansion, 76% said BC Ferries had not conducted fair and proper community consultation, 7% said it had, and 17% selected “other.” The survey asked about plans in which over 120 trees were slated to be cut down.^[1]

Respondents also identified environmental concerns: 81% selected endangering wildlife due to cars speeding to the ferry, 78% risk of fire from cigarette butts and 75% air pollution. The survey’s possible solutions included a ferry that goes directly to Hornby in the summer months, supported by 73%, and a reservation system with priority loading for residents, supported by 65%.^[1]

BC Ferries advertised a Denman community round-table discussion for May 26 at the Community Hall, asking for input on mitigating impacts of the Denman East terminal development and evaluating enhanced summer schedules for Routes 21 and 22.^[1]

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