Whereas passenger traffic levels on BC Ferries in 2018 were the highest experienced in the past 20 years and the trend for growth is forecast to continue; And whereas the provincial Climate Change Accountability Act and CleanBC Plan include commitments for collaboration with all sectors to prepare for and adapt to climate change as well as support the growth of low carbon economies in communities throughout British Columbia; And whereas BC Ferries Business Plan commits to meeting changing and evolving customer travel needs and growing and diversifying their revenue base, including exploring the provision of a passenger-only service: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to work with BC Ferries to explore expanding their mandate to include dedicated foot passenger ferry service that would meet the forecasted growth in passenger traffic levels, while supporting a low carbon option that may lessen the demand for car ferry service, and encourage the use of public transit and alternative means of transportation where possible.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Government recognizes the coastal ferry system needs to adapt to the changing needs of coastal communities. As recommended by Blair Redlin, who conducted a review of the coastal ferry service, the Provincial Government is developing a long-term vision for ferry service. This vision will guide decisions around the best ways to deliver coastal ferry services to the people who rely on them. We encourage all British Columbians to participate in the public engagement process that will be launched in the new year to help guide the development of the vision for coastal ferry service. The visioning process will be able to identify what improvements could be made over the long term and how ferry services can be better integrated with the existing transportation network. The visioning process may include exploring additional ways of connecting coastal communities, such as: - supplementing current services with passenger-only ferries; - expanding transportation choices; and - innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as electric ferries.
BC Ferries While the Coastal Ferry Services Contract focusses on conventional vehicle and passenger transportation, we always look for ways to enhance the customer experience. We would be happy to discuss the option of passenger-only ferry service with the provincial government, as well as ways the Province can support such an initiative. Like you and the communities we serve, we share concerns about the environment and are taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, from ship to shore. BC Ferries is a leader in the transition to a more sustainable future. By switching to liquefied natural gas LNG, we have reduced our CO2 emissions by approximately 9,000 metric tonnes in fiscal 2019. In the past five years, we have invested close to 400 million in clean ship technology and we look forward to doing even more. Next year, two new Island Class ferries will enter service. These hybrid-electric ferries are an important addition to our fleet, and were excited about the environmental gains they represent. Im pleased to add that we have just ordered four more of these ferries to enter service in 2022. Stakeholder input is important to us and we value the opinions and suggestions from UBCM members and First Nations. We work hard to be a trusted and valued transportation partner as we connect people and communities throughout coastal British Columbia, and look forward to hearing from the provincial government in response to this resolution.