About Us
We're a family passionate about building open source tools that bring communities together. Gabriola Connects was born from our love for this island and our desire to help neighbors stay connected, informed, and engaged.
Whether it's checking ferry times, finding local services, or staying updated on community events, we believe technology should make island life easier and more connected.
Why We Built Gabriola Connects
- 🏝️To create a central hub for all island information
- 🤝To help neighbors connect and support each other
- ⛴️To make ferry schedules and alerts easily accessible
- 💚To strengthen our island community through technology
🗺️ Gabriola Connects Roadmap
Built by and for Gabriolans, Gabriola Connects is your island hub for events, discussions, local businesses, ferry updates, and community alerts. Here's what's live and what's coming next. Your feedback drives everything—tell us what you need!
Live Now: Core Features
December 2025The foundation is in beta! Active features:
- • Events Calendar with categories
- • Bulletin Board with multiple discussion categories
- • Business Directory with 16+ categories
- • Real-time Ferry Schedule and status
- • Mobile-friendly design
In Progress: Authentication & Polish
December 2025 - January 2026Adding user accounts and deepening core features:
- • User login/registration (email + password)
- • Gabriola resident verification
- • Event RSVPs (see who's coming!)
- • BBS posting with user profiles
- • Community Alerts system (real alerts, not demo!)
- • Moderator tools for community safety
- • Global search across all sections
Next Up: Mobile App (PWA)
January - February 2026Install Gabriola Connects on your phone! Progressive Web App features:
- • Add to home screen (works like a real app!)
- • Push notifications for alerts and ferry updates
- • View cached ferry schedules, events, and directory offline
- • Faster loading and smoother experience
- • Works on ALL phones (iPhone + Android)
Island-Specific Features
Q1 2026Tools that make island life easier:
- • Classifieds Marketplace (buy/sell/trade locally)
- • Rideshare Board (find rides to Nanaimo, Costco runs)
- • Weather & Tides Dashboard (essential for boating/beaches)
- • Lost & Found (reunite pets and items with owners)
- • Directory reviews and ratings
- • Photo uploads for posts and listings
Community-Driven Growth
Mid-2026+Features based on YOUR requests and actual usage:
- • Interest groups (hikers, artists, gardeners, etc.)
- • Volunteering opportunities board
- • Native iOS/Android apps (if needed)
- • BC Ferries API integration (real-time delays)
- • Advanced features you tell us you want!
We're listening! 👂
What features matter most to YOU? Join the conversation on our Bulletin Board and help shape Gabriola Connects. This is YOUR community hub—let's build it together!
Our vision: If we're successful here, other Gulf Islands may start their own community hubs—imagine Mayne Connects, Pender Connects, Salt Spring Connects! Together, we can strengthen island communities across the Salish Sea. 🏝️⛴️🏝️
Our Other Projects
Get In Touch
Have suggestions for Gabriola Connects? Want to help improve the platform? We'd love to hear from you!
Email: gabriolaconnects@gmail.com