The Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce has done a survey of business on Gabriola, mostly positive. Several problems emerged as follows:

__ Summer business is 40% to 60% higher than winter sales, which means that most operators have to save during the good periods so that they can hunker down during the winter.

__ Trained employees are hard to find, and training employees is even more difficult because most young families have been forced to leave the island due to the lack of jobs.

__ Inexpensive housing for young workers, and the reduction in school population, contributes to the lack of employees.

__ The average age on Gabriola is 57, so the market is largely elderly retired.

__ The ferry makes selling in Vancouver Island difficult if not impossible, because of the amount of time required to handle the ferry lineups.

__ Selling on the internet is possible, but requires another level of skills.

__ Under these conditions, running a business is extremely difficult, with help from everyone required.

All of the above problems can be resolved with a bridge to Vancouver Island. Around the clock access would move many to come to see theater, art, trails and just exploring in the winter. An exodus of young families occurred when the early and late ferry sailings prevented working families from living here.

Secondary rental suites should be permitted by the Islands Trust. Existing building regulations with bedrooms ensure there is sufficient septic. Roof water can supply everyone with some storage for the summer.