The Province is launching the next phase in its process to develop a vision for British Columbia’s coastal ferry services and is inviting British Columbians to share their views.
“Significant investments are being made in ferry infrastructure, with decisions being made today defining the service long into the future,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We’re asking people what the coastal ferry service could look like in 20, 30 or 40 years, and how services should be delivered to better support people and families who live and work on our coast.”
From Feb. 2 until March 20, 2020, people can share their input and feedback at: engage.gov.bc.ca/coastalferries
“We’re asking people to weigh in and share their thoughts on what they would like to see for the future of ferry travel,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “Transportation needs are changing, and coastal ferries should also evolve. We want to ensure we have a system in place that is adaptable, dependable and convenient.”
In October and November 2019, the Province held pre-engagement forums, attended by Trevena, to share ideas on the future of coastal ferry transportation and how ferry service could evolve. Seven meetings were held, where 130 stakeholders shared their ideas.
The key themes heard at these meetings indicated that coastal ferry services should:
support efficient end-to-end travel of people and goods;
be equitable and accessible;
mitigate and be responsive to climate change; and
reflect the values of coastal communities.
The information gathered from the public engagement process will be used to develop a provincial vision to guide the future of British Columbia’s coastal ferry service.
