BC Ferries unveils Texada ferry design
BC Ferries will be presenting a preliminary design for its replacement of Texada Island’s North Island Princess and is seeking the public’s thoughts.
The ferry corporation announced Thursday, August 3, that it will be hosting a vessel-replacement information session from 5:30-7:30 pm on Monday, August 14, at the Texada Seniors' Centre in Gillies Bay.
Community members are invited to attend to learn more about the project, provide opinions on current vessel design features and share ideas on amenities they would like to see.
BC Ferries plans to build two new ships, expected to come into service in 2020, to replace North Island Princess and provide service between Alert Bay and Sointula.
Province drops tuition charges
Students in adult basic education (ABE) and english language learning programs will no longer be charged tuition to upgrade their skills, premier John Horgan announced Tuesday, August 8.
The announcement reverses a 2015 decision by the previous government. Horgan called the reversal a long-term investment in the economy.
According to BC Ministry of Advanced Education, enrolment in the programs dropped 35 per cent after tuition of up to $1,600 per semester was charged.
ABE students at the Powell River campus of Vancouver Island University were charged $424.47 per course last year.
Advanced education minister Melanie Mark said the tuition created a financial barrier for those wanting to advance to post-secondary training.
Horgan said a cost estimate for the reversal will be available in September.
