A newly organized effort to secure a fixed-point crossing at Galena Bay is taking wing just as talk of a new ferry for the Galena Bay-Shelter Bay is on the table.
A local group met Saturday at the Arrowtarian building to form an association to revive the idea of a fixed link near Arrowhead which would replace the Galena Bay – Shelter Bay ferry.
At its founding meeting on May 28, it was decided that the name Beaton Arm Crossing Association (BACA) be used.
It was decided that Earl Frerichs, who has spearheaded efforts including a presentation to the B.C. Seniors conference over Memorial Day weekend, act as president and Gene Nagy as secretary/treasurer for now.
Those present saw details of the proposal that would provide a fixed link via Hill Creek Road, a causeway and bridge across Beaton Arm and another causeway and bridge across Columbia River from old Sidmouth town site to Cranberry Creek.
“The new proposal is similar to the old ALTIA proposal but since the crossing is in much shallower waters, considerably less fill is needed for the causeways and therefore much less costly,” said Nagy.
The ferry at the site costs $3 million a year, according to Frerichs’ presentation.
The Galena Bay ferry has been under discussion recently, criticized for its age and also summer waits and industrial transportation issues.
Government officials recently said a decision about the crossing could be expected this summer.
Local businessman Ernie Calancia said he likes the idea of a fixed-point crossing.
“Here is hoping that a fixed link crossing will finally become a reality and we can start to get some economic renewal in the valley. Wouldn’t it be nice to reopen schools, hire more teachers and nurses, have more doctors, etc.,” he said in a letter to the editor of the Arrow Lakes News.
