WHEREAS the provincial government will shortly enter negotiations with BC Ferries to establish service levels and the government contribution service fees that will determine service and fares for BC Ferries Performance Term 2 that commences April 1, 2008; AND WHEREAS coastal ferries are an essential part of the provincial transportation network, crucial to the economic and social health of the coastal region and to the province-wide tourism industry: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the provincial government undertake a comprehensive and consultative review of the effects of ferry fares and service levels on coastal communities, prior to signing the contract for Performance Term 2, and before the commencement of Performance Term 2, to incorporate any amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act that are necessary to sustain the economic and social vitality of coastal communities and to preserve this vital element of British Columbias image as a world-class tourism destination.
