Friday’s rally in protest of rising ferry fares was a testament to the dedication and initiative of the people of Powell River. The 500 or more in attendance sent a strong message in a civilized and respectable manner, one that can be looked back upon with a sense of pride and community.
One speaker described the rally as the beginning of the end of the beginning of this process. There are many things that must happen along the way before any major changes can or will take place, but if nothing else, the rally served as a visible step in a forward direction.
The presence of City of Powell River Mayor Stewart Alsgard, Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, Powell River Regional District chair Colin Palmer, regional district Area D director Dave Murphy, Powell River Regional Economic Development Society manager Scott Randolph, Powell River Chamber of Commerce president and city councillor Dave Formosa, and other community leaders showed a breadth of support and a clear common message. They will make the voices of residents heard, but they can’t do it alone. And they won’t be alone.
Formosa said it best on Friday: “This is our highway—we will take it back.”
