Chump change
While I have to agree with BC Ferries manager of public affairs Darin Guenette about its crews doing the best they can [“Ferry sailing waits frustrate travellers,” July 27], I have to say it is most unfortunate the same cannot be said of its managers.
BC Ferries board of directors and all its other sycophants and toadies, who draw wonderful salaries for accomplishing seemingly nothing, must be truly grateful for the present state of the company and the fact that they have no competition, because it is unlikely these people could find work in the real world.
I would love for the Christy Clark regime to explain exactly how this move to privatization has been so wonderful. Perhaps they can also explain how they improved BC Hydro and BC Rail.
Mr. Guenette, my opinion is that your job is simply a mouthpiece for the board and you are not allowed to tell the truth about how badly the corporation is run, but I must take exception to a few points you made.
You stated the situation was “in the face of circumstances beyond its control.” While this might be partially true, might one ask why BC Ferries sold a vessel that could be a replacement for pennies on the dollar?
You also stated, “When something breaks in peak season, we don’t have spare vessels,” and, “If you had vessels laying around just in case, it would be ridiculously expensive. We can’t have those kind of costs.”
BC Ferries had a spare, spent $15 million refurbishing it, and then sold it for chump change.
I have heard of Keystone Cops, but who knew they took over a ferry corporation? This level of incompetence must not be allowed to continue. We must get rid of the entire board, senior managers and apologists and begin to rebuild our public highway system that has been so devastated by this government.
Cameron Bailey
Huntingdon Street
Heated highway
We watched people with small children sit on the highway for six hours in the heat [“Ferry sailing waits frustrate travellers,” July 27] at Saltery Bay where we live. There was sporadic availability of food and drink while they waited.
People were angry. Considering the history of the old ferries, should there not be a spare ship sitting ready for this occasion? I know the old ones were sold off, so good business in the very least dictates you have a replacement.
As a business owner, I can not even surmise the damage done to the tourism industry in Powell River because of this situation. We have a vacation rental in Stillwater. It took our clients, with two children and a five-month-old baby, 12 hours to travel from Horseshoe Bay to Stillwater yesterday. With that timeline I doubt they will ever return, and they will tell their friends.
Regardless of the incredible vacation opportunities offered by Powell River and area, people sitting in lineups outside of our house are leaving with a bitter taste after spending two days travelling for a three-day weekend. People have spent their holiday sitting on Highway 101 waiting for ferries. I would be furious as well.
Should there be talk of compensation to local businesses by BC Ferries due to this terrible mismanagement? I have talked to people who will never return to the Sunshine Coast because of this situation.
I truly do not understand what BC Ferries is doing on any level. If you have any intention of staying in business it makes no sense to treat your customers like this.
Does the ferry corporation assume they have ferry hostages who have no choice and therefore this is the treatment its clients receive?
If this is not a direct slap in the face, I want to know what it is.
I know this is only one facet of many. I feel terrible watching people leave this beautiful city and area with anger and frustration.
This is my new home. I want my friends to leave talking about the incredible time they had while here, not vowing to never return.
Sunny Dawn Kostelnik
Highway 101
