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Letter: Cruise traffic problematic in Richmond

Dear Editor, Re: “Port eyes cruise ship terminal in Richmond,” News, Nov. 8. I certainly understand both the constraints of the Lions Gate Bridge and the need to compete with Seattle.
cruise ship
As cruise ships get ever bigger, Port of Vancouver is challenged to accomodate them at Canada Place and is now looking to other locations, such as Richmond and Delta’s Roberts Bank. The Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, above, will become the biggest cruise ship on the seas when it launches next April. File photo

Dear Editor,

Re: “Port eyes cruise ship terminal in Richmond,” News, Nov. 8.

I certainly understand both the constraints of the Lions Gate Bridge and the need to compete with Seattle.

Whether this project proceeds in Delta or Richmond, both locations shall face the ongoing issue of efficiently moving the travellers to and from the terminal.

My comment is not meant to take sides but rather to ask, how do we, twice daily, add 3,000 to 5,000 more passengers to a grid that is utterly incapable of handling existing numbers?

Just imagine two supersized vessels at the same time. 

The new Capstan Station and the massive construction around Marine Drive will only further test what is in place already.

Our only chance is to at least double current capacity on the SkyTrain, extend that to the new terminal, while also building a brand new line that will connect into Scott Road and then beyond.

While we’re at it, why not envision a future  connection to White Rock?

Without such forward reflection, we shall continue to lose out to Seattle.

I propose all stakeholders get together yesterday and start the process.

Henrik Laursen

Richmond