Hello Everyone!
Below is a letter of support to the Ratepayers of Hornby Island. This week they have raised the bar when it comes to Advocating for improved Ferry Service (see below).
If you haven't had a chance to do the cut and paste exercise in our recent update, please consider doing same. Thank you!
Notice: BC Ferries Mgt is coming to Salt Spring Island this Friday between 11AM & 1PM at the Middle School. Come to ASK your questions in the comfort of a warm environment with facilities.
Best Regards, David.
Dear Trustees Grant Scott & Alex Allen.of Hornby Island,
When it comes to politely Advocating and Petitioning, the Ratepayers of Hornby Island have just raised the bar to a new height. Take a bow, the fresh cut video is clear and succinct in explaining the Public Safety issues throughout the the Inter Island System. Well done!
Since our small group formed in May of 2021 here on Salt Spring Island, the more you delve into the issues at BC Ferries, the more you are amazed. I believe the help you seek is on the way. With Joy MacPhail appointed as Chair of the BCF Board of Directors (The Fixer) and a refreshed Board, that bodes well for positive change at BCF. The disappointing fact for some is the Government seems to have decided to back down on Bill 7, which would have amended the BC Coastal Ferries Act.
Like you, we have a Public Safety Issue when it comes to traffic gridlock at Crofton, Vesuvius Bay and Fulford Harbour that needs to be addressed after 50 years of growth. Don’t despair, BC Ferries suggested in 2019 that the MV Quinitsa capacity 44 vehicles would see us through until 2035 on Route 6 - Vesuvius Bay - Crofton. The Community suggested prior to the implementation it was an egregious mistake. BCF went ahead and within weeks it became an unmitigated disaster. With the change out to the MV Bowen Queen - 63 vehicles, of course at the end of its service life at 54 years old. Population of Salt Spring Island is 11,700 with over 10,000 full time residents.
The Salish Heron at a cost of $74 Million + is welcome news for the 6100 Residents/Ratepayers of the South Gulf Islands but as you’ve seen in the media, it can’t take a proper payload. This is the vessel that was chosen to provide service for the next 50 years.140 Vehicle Car Ferries (open & flat deck) to service Route 5 - Southern Gulf Islands, Route 4 - Swartz Bay - Fulford Hrb, Route 8 - Bowen has been suggested by some and even contemplated by BCF in their Submission - Part 5 to the BC Ferries Commissioner in 2019. With the recent disclosure of the issues with Heron, is it time to revisit Part 5?
The Service and Infrastructure is lacking on Salt Spring Island after years of neglect. Hornby Island is not the only Community concerned about Public Safety. Meanwhile the Quinitsa has spent pretty much the whole Summer of 2021 tied up at Fulford Hrb as the so called spare vessel. They have the Mayne Queen available now until next June as a spare, we believe. Please consider campaigning for the MV Quinitsa to come North on December 12, 2022 off of Route 6 - Vesuvius Bay - Crofton when the Quinsam returns from refit. Both vessels are 40 years old but what they lack in creature comforts and speed of the newer Island Clasis but the ease of boarding and off loading is certainly appreciated. These vessel are simply old workhorses similar to the newer and larger utilitarian MV Skeena Queen on Route 4 - Fulford Harbour - Swartz Bay.
The common comment among fellow frustrated Ferry Patrons who depend on BC Ferries for their livelihoods and lifeline. BC Ferries simply does not listen to their one shareholder - The Patrons and Ratepayers of the Province of British Columbia.
We wish you positive progress with our Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure - Rob Fleming and our New Premier - David Eby.
Best Regards, David Courtney.
Patrons of Routes 6,4,9
Mobile 250-537-7771
Facebook Group Page - SSI Ferry Patrons of Routes 6,4,9 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2964999507139674