In 1997, businessman Jack Wallis proposed a bridge across the Saanich Inlet between Mill Bay and Deep Cove at the north end of the Saanich Penisula.
This would have alleviated a good portion of the traffic on the Malahat and reduced some of the necessity of upgrading that portion of the highway. At that time, it was met with considerable resistance from various sources with interests in other areas.
With another upgrading now, including the installation of continuous barriers between the traffic flows, perhaps it is time to reconsider that proposal.
Fantastic bridges are being built all around the world and this would definitely be an asset. As a toll bridge, it could probably be paid off in a short time and reduce considerably the amount of carbon dioxide produced by traffic climbing the Malahat from both directions, as well as eliminating ferry traffic around the South Island.
Richard A. Young
Parksville
