Never again
A tragedy happened yesterday. I too was stuck in the disaster that was described as Monday's departure from Powell River [“Ferry sailing waits frustrate travellers,” July 27].
I'm not going to bore you with the details of screaming children, lethargic seniors, hungry passengers and sunburned pets; you will hear that from everyone else. While uncomfortable, that was not the tragedy.
After an 18-year hiatus, I came back to Powell River. I spent a few wonderful days exploring my old stomping grounds walking beach trails, exploring forests, dining out, shopping, visiting, lodging and remembering everything I loved about this small coastal town.
I even started to look at real estate and the possibility of a vacation home. But then a tragedy occurred.
After five hours in a parking lot, being lied to about boarding times, given false hope and frustration, I realized I would never be back, as family, friend or tourist.
In the time it took me to travel 150 kilometres, I could be halfway around the world exploring exotic shores and coastlines. A tragedy for me and my memories and a tragedy for Powell River and its economy.
I spent the last few minutes on Queen of Surrey with tears in my eyes because I knew I would not be back.
To the people of Powell River, I'm sorry my dollars cannot help your struggling businesses and I'm sorry I cannot do more.
To BC Ferries, thank you for the reminder of why this coastal paradise is struggling and like me, there are others who will not be back.
Sarah Johnston
Calgary, Alberta
Ferry fiasco
This last fiasco with BC Ferries and Queen of Burnaby [“Ferry sailing waits frustrate travellers,” July 27] is absolutely unacceptable
We have had to go back and forth to Vancouver four times and Comox once in the last six weeks because of a health issue. The stress of wondering whether you are going to make a ferry is bad enough, but when you add a medical problem it becomes almost unbearable.
Because of delays at Earls Cove, huge overloads at Horseshoe Bay/Langdale and ferries being constantly late, we made the decision to fly to Vancouver for the next appointment. My husband will not be accompanied by me as the cost becomes exorbitant. This will probably not be the last appointment so once again we will have to face the same frustrating problems, often with the added cost of having to stay overnight.
So to management of BC Ferries, get the ferries fixed, running on time and have a better backup plan. You have to know how busy it is in the summer and yet you cannot seem to provide the service.
As for people with medical issues, provide the same service to someone using a travel assistance program form as to someone with a reservation. You get paid full price by the government (we the people), so get us on the ships.
It is bad enough worrying about one’s health without the added frustration of whether or not you will make it to an appointment on time.
You have done Powell River a real disservice with what happened at the Earls Cove ferry. People were waiting for five hours. If I were a first time tourist, I would never come back to Powell River.
Susan Hainstock
Skeena Street
