“Build it, and they will come.”

The concept of a fixed link across the Tickle is once again gaining ground on Bell Island.

The provincial government earlier this month announced that it was reviewing the delivery of the island’s ferry service.

$79 million dollars was set aside in the provincial budget last year to cover the cost of marine services.

Former Liberal MHA Danny Dumaresque has suggested that now is the time to revisit the concept of a fixed link between Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philips – something he says will save money in the long run.

The Bell Island ferry run saw 400,000 passengers, 200,000 vehicles and 400 daily commuters in 2019 – rivaling that of Marine Atlantic according to Teresita McCarthy the former chair of the local fixed link committee.

The long-time Bell Island tourism and economic development advocate believes that the benefits of a fixed link go beyond just saving government money.