Since last October, I have enjoyed the services of Pacific Coastal Airlines to commute from Powell River to Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays. I am a seasoned commuter and when we had fog recently I opted to take the ferry.
This was my first fog event since we lost bus service and when the second flight was cancelled I took a cab to Horseshoe Bay to make the 9:20 am ferry (ouch).
I have been on the ferry when the chief steward has announced folks needed a ride between ferries and have given people rides several times; always a good experience.
When I walked on ferry, I went to the chief steward’s office, explained I was from Powell River and my flight had been fogged out. I asked if they could announce a Powell River person needing a ride.
To my astonishment, they would not. They also replied that there won’t be anyone from Powell River on this ferry anyway, which was a ridiculous statement.
When I asked if they knew there was no bus between the ferries, I was told they did, and that’s why they wouldn’t make announcements, because they were being asked almost every day.
I stated that I wanted to be clear they understood: I had to go home to Powell River, flights were grounded due to fog, there was no bus and I had taken a taxi from Vancouver airport to walk on the ferry. I was sure I could get a ride if they made an announcement. Yes, they understood.
At that point, the chief steward offered me a piece of paper and pen to make a sign and walk around if I felt comfortable with that. I told her I certainly did not.
I had also posted on social media for a ride between ferries. The end result? Not a single chance to travel from Vancouver to Powell River when there is a fog event, unless I purchased a one-way car rental (extremely expensive if I could find one) or a taxi between ferries (extremely expensive if I could find one).
I had conducted this entire experiment because, unlike many residents of Powell River, I have two wonderful stepchildren and a niece on the lower coast. My stepson was able to pick me up and drive me to Earls Cove. Without the family connection, I would have been stranded.
There are two solutions to this situation, neither are difficult. One: our mayor and council should write a public letter to BC Ferries asking them to institute an announcement system or ride-share board on both ferries as an interim solution. Two: our local levels of government should work with BC Transit on a shuttle between ferries, with stops in Sechelt and Pender Harbour to add viability.
I feel badly for the seniors and families trying to travel right now. They must feel trapped.
This situation is likely a serious impediment to economic development.
Judi Tyabji is a former Liberal MLA and Powell River city councillor.
