The MLA for the North Coast and NDP critic for Ferries and Ports, is most likely preaching to the converted as he visits isolated communities dependant on the BC Ferry service and once again facing yet another fare hike for their life line to the rest of the province.
Gary Coons, just finished making a tour of mid Vancouver Island communities, holding public forums as part of his quest to return the Ferry Corporation back to its roots of service to the people of the province. Coons considers the ferry service to be an extension of the province’s highway system and believes that it should reflect that status as far as service and funding goes. It's from that viewpoint that he is approaching his public meetings, which have found a willing and enthusiastic audience in attendance so far.
Gary Coons, just finished making a tour of mid Vancouver Island communities, holding public forums as part of his quest to return the Ferry Corporation back to its roots of service to the people of the province. Coons considers the ferry service to be an extension of the province’s highway system and believes that it should reflect that status as far as service and funding goes. It's from that viewpoint that he is approaching his public meetings, which have found a willing and enthusiastic audience in attendance so far.
We suspect the public wouldn’t accept frequent increases for the privilege of driving along the highways of the province, so the question is if the ferries are like the highways should they not be treated the same as the paved ribbons that connect the province in all directions.
It’s a question that perhaps will be part of the feedback that Coons receives in his public sessions, he next has the Queen Charlottes on his travel agenda with sessions on Haida Gwai scheduled from December 10 to 12.
The Prince Rupert session will take place on January 16.
The Daily News provided some background on his latest efforts as part of the Wednesday paper.
FERRY USERS LEFT HIGH AND DRY: COONS
North Coast MLA urging communities to share fears about fare impacts
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, December 5. 2007
Pages one and two
North Coast MLA Gary Coons toured ferry-dependent communities this past weekend holding forums about the impact skyrocketing fare increases is having on families, individuals and businesses.
Despite the difficult weather, he visited Courtenay, Denman Island, Hornby Island and Gabriola Island on his campaign to fight "unfair" fares.
Despite more than 30 centimetres of snow, Coons said the turnout at the meetings was excellent. (Trips to Chemanus and Salt Spring have been postponed until weather improves.)
Next weekend, Coons will travel to Gibsons, Powell River, Bowen Island, Galiano, Mayne and Pender Islands with trips on the North Coast scheduled for the New Year.
"I don't think B.C. Ferries or the provincial government is listening to the people who depend on reliable, safe and affordable ferry service," said Coons. "Since the restructuring of B.C. Ferries, ferry-dependent communities have been forced to shoulder ever increasing costs."
Coons, who is the New Democrat Critic for Ferries and Ports, will be visiting the Queen Charlotte Islands communities of Masset, Port Clements, Queen Charlotte, and Sandspit on Dec. 10, 11, and 12 as part of the tour.
He is scheduled to hold meetings in Prince Rupert Jan. 16, the Central Coast on Jan 24, and Port McNeil, Sointula and Alert Bay on Jan 30-31.
"It is important for people in ferry-dependent communities to have a chance to tell their side of the restructuring story," said Coons. "B.C. Ferries was built with tax dollars to serve the people of British Columbia. The ferries are part of our highway system, and they need to be priced affordably, so that all British Columbians can benefit from them."
For example, on the Queen Charlotte Islands, the cost of crossing between Graham and Moresby Island via Alliford Bay in April 2003 - was $10.60 for two people and a vehicle. Four years later, the price now sits at $17.30 and by April 2011, it is forecasted to reach $22.88, an increase of 116 per cent.
Coons, who feels the fare increases are unacceptable for those who use the ferry system as part of their highway, put forward a motion in the legislature in November calling on the provincial government to freeze fares at their current levels until a "Ferry Dependent Communities Strategy" can be created to ensure the long-term viability of ferry routes to remote communities and the viability of those communities.
On Mon., Dec. 10 in Masset, the meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Electric Moon restaurant. On Tues., Dec. 11 in Port Clements there will be a meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Golden Spruce. In Tlell from noon until 2 p.m. at the Rising Tides bakery and in the village of Queen Charlotte from 6 to 8 p.m. in the council chambers.
Then on Wed., Dec. 11, there will be a meeting in Sandspit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Airport Inn Restaurant.
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