The province will study whether to build a bridge to Gabriola Island in the southern Gulf Islands off Vancouver Island.

Beginning this fall, Gabriola residents and Ministry of Transportation staff will look at building a fixed link between Gabriola Island and Vancouver Island that would replace the existing ferry service, the government said Thursday.

The ministry said it will hire an independent consultant to examine potential locations for a fixed link and provide cost estimates, however the consultant will not be assessing the level of public support for a bridge.

The study is expected to be completed in spring 2015.

ticrawford@vancouversun.com