WHEREAS the transportation services provided by BC Ferries on minor routes along the south coast are as essential for ferry dependent communities as the provincial road network is for other communities, and are an integral element of provincial tourism goals, yet have been subject to fare increases of as much as 120 over the last five years; AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs have, through extensive research and analysis, proposed a minor routes strategy that supports the sustainability of island economies and the coastal ferry service: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure work with coastal communities and BC Ferries to develop a strategy for the minor southern coastal ferry routes, as proposed by the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The Province meets regularly with Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs FACC to discuss the coastal ferry model. Ministry staff and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure have had discussions with the FACC regarding their proposal for a minor routes strategy. The Province is aware that ferry fare increases continue to be a concern for ferry users. BC Ferries has shared information with the Province on its capital investment plans which include the replacement of several aging vessels on the minor routes over the next few years. The Province will be reviewing its annual financial contribution to BC Ferries as we periodically review the terms of the Coastal Ferry Services Contract. Stakeholder views will be taken into consideration as part of that process. The Province recently announced that the Comptroller General will conduct a review of BC Ferries to ensure taxpayers dollars are being invested as efficiently as possible. The report was completed September, 2009 and is available at: http:www.fin.gov.bc.caOCGiaspdfDocstransportationgovernance.pdf