by Marvin Lehr BC Ferries and the provincial government should take a wider view of the function and purpose, present and future, of ferry operation.
Ferry operation should be looked at as playing a very vital and effective role in the economic development of an area.
Access is critical to the development of any resource or industry, usually earmarked with a road. The tourist industry is no different. And so, how can any area develop, expand and thrive if there is not good public access? Unfortunately, roads alone do not provide good access to many areas of coastal BC, making ferries a necessity. Good access means customer-based public access at a reasonable cost to all. Shouldn’t this be a right of all BC residents?
Tourism is a very important industry throughout BC, especially in coastal areas. Cost of ferries inland poses no impediment to access or tourism as there is no direct cost to the consumer. Toll booths for roads have all been removed. Unfortunately, coastal areas are treated differently. We have toll booths in front of every ferry.
I avoid tolled roads and bridges in the United States when possible. Does anyone believe our potential visitors from other countries and provinces are any different?
Freedom of access to BC Ferries allows, enhances and maximizes the economic development of not just coastal areas but all of BC.
It has been suggested that ferry workers should be based out of the community most critically dependent on ferry service. We already have BC Ferries workers living in Powell River. But, would it really be in our best interest to berth the Queen Of Burnaby in Powell River? Most of ferry-transported supplies for our city come off the first ferry of the day. This also allows the trucks and drivers to return to Vancouver Island at a reasonable business hour the same day. A later ferry would bring additional expense to all businesses and residents on this side.
To improve a business or process, consult the people at the bottom. They are the ones who have hands-on experience and are likely to give the simplest and most concrete suggestions. Are ferry workers asked for their advice? Are they listened to by management? Why not stimulate this by offering a percentage of any savings to a preset maximum for any employee suggestions?
Why are four communities, Powell River, Texada Island, Comox, Courtenay and others losing ferry service for a scheduled two months while the terminals are rebuilt? Isn’t there a company in the world that has a temporary floating dock or a barge that can be used until rebuilding is complete? What do other ferry operations around the world do in a situation like this? Is this customer-based service?
This terminal closure sounds like a recipe for how to kill a community. This will mean added transportation costs to consumers, retailers, industry. Powell River and Texada will be hardest hit because of their greater dependance on this mode of transport.
Come on, let us think outside of the box.
Marvin Lehr was in the education field in Alberta for 33 years as administrator and teacher and is a recently arrived resident of Powell River.
