After joining forces on the issue of coastal ferry service, Coastal Regional District chairs and vice-chairs continue to push their recommendations forward to address concerns over the service.
After a meeting with Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom on July 19, eight Coastal Regional District chairs and vice-chairs met again – this time to discuss options for improvements with BC Ferry Commissioner Gordon Macatee on Aug. 8 in Victoria.
“I felt very positive about his listening skills,” said Strathcona Regional District vice-chair Jim Abram. “The entire group made it clear that we don’t want to see the (Coastal Ferry) Act just tinkered with.”
Abram said most of the chairs and vice-chairs have a “little bit different twist” on what improvements to make to the ferry system, but he wants the Commissioner to look at whether the Coastal Ferry Act should exist anymore; he wants ferry service to go back under the wing of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
Macatee will be visiting coastal communities to hear residents’ opinions, including how fare increases have been affecting them.
The Quadra Island meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 26.