There are changes on the horizon for BC Ferries and Bowen Island representatives followed the proceedings at the corporation's annual general meeting on August 24 and 25 with interest to find out how local ferry users may be affected. Councillor and member of the Bowen Island Municipality Ferry Advisory Committee Alison Morse was in attendance and said, "We had a good discussion with [representatives of BC Ferries] that revolved around the new contract that was signed at the end of June." Morse explained that the BC government increased funding for BC Ferries with the provision that efficiencies in operation will be found.
"BC Ferries is supposed to find $30 million worth of service adjustments," Morse said. "That means adjusting routes and numbers of sailings and finding direct operational efficiencies." Morse added that a $4 million cost reduction was identified by cutting back the number of sailing on major routes (in total, 98 sailings will be cut back on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, and Duke Point Tsawwassen runs) but the remaining $26 million may come from major and minor routes.
As part of the coastal ferries community engagement program, the BC government has hired Kirk & Co Consulting Ltd. to conduct a consultation process that includes on-line and in-person activities, according to a ministry of transportation press release that states: "The contract is part of the government's commitment to seek public input on strategies to support a long-term vision of connecting coastal communities in an affordable, efficient and sustainable manner."
The public consultation was slated to start in late summer and Morse said that the ferry advisory committees reached out and offered to be involved. "We said, 'Let's meet and maybe we can give them some suggestions.' We want to make sure that all the information is there. But the government said that this is not the right time," she said, adding that ferry commissioners like Gord Macatee, whose report set the review in motion, are also not involved in the process at this time.
Another question mark for Morse is the political development as minister of transportation and infrastructure Blair Lekstrom announced on Tuesday that he will not run in next May's provincial election. "Of all the transportation ministers we have dealt with, Lekstrom has been the most receptive, understanding and willing to talk and discuss," Morse said.
The cabinet renewal, announced by premier Christy Clark on September 5, sees Mary Polak heading the ministry of transportation and infrastructure.
Morse added that the Coastal Ferry Services Contract between the B.C. government and BC Ferries makes it clear that BC Ferries is responsible for connecting coastal communities. "This is the first time the government has increased its contribution [to BC Ferries] since 2003 and the difference [for rising costs of operations] previously had to come out of the fare boxes," Morse said. "That's part of the reason why fares have gone up."
"It will be interesting to see how the consultation process is going to unfold," Morse said. "The objective was to establish a vision for the ferry service that effectively links coastal communities."
