WHEREAS the North Coast Ferry Advisory Committee passed a motion at their regular meeting on April 3, 2008, recognizing the critical importance of BC Ferries obtaining an additional Blue Water capable vessel as an essential component of their business continuity plan; AND WHEREAS a replacement vehicle for the Queen of Chilliwack that currently provides BC Ferries Route 40 Discovery Coast service is required by new Transport Canada regulations effective in 2012, and current industry timelines for the construction or procurement of an appropriate vessel for Route 40 dictate than an immediate purchase order is required to meet the 2012 deadline; AND WHEREAS it is recognized that the social and economic benefits derived from BC Ferries Route 40 extend beyond the Central Coast region to include all tourism providers in British Columbia: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM lobby all applicable BC ministries to immediately provide BC Ferries with the resources necessary to procure an appropriate replacement vessel in order to ensure the continued provision of Route 40 Ferry Service to the Central Coast region.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The Provinces commitment to ferry service for central coast communities remains substantial. Presently, the Province and BC Ferries are finalizing the Northern Services Strategy which will see even more funding provided for ferry service to central coast communities.