On behalf of the LCA Ferry Committee, I am pleased to submit a brief report for the LCA AGM, for the year of 2023 to 2024. As everyone is aware, it was a challenging year for the Lasqueti Island ferry service on a number of levels.  For more than a year, the Ferry Committee worked toward resolving contract violations and very poor service and customer relations.

   

We wrote numerous letters to Western Pacific Marine (WPM), MLA Adam Walker, Minister Rob Flemming and BC Ferries.   Despite our efforts, we have not yet received even an acknowledgement of a letter submitted to BC Ferries.  Community members also wrote numerous letters of complaint to the aforementioned parties. 

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We asked for basic things such as contract compliance and undisrupted services to the island. We also requested consultations with island residents, and that the service provider be held to account if the contract terms were not being met.  In addition, we asked for either a new formal bidding process for Route 55 ferry services, and that any contract renewal for the current company be limited to one year.

   

MLA Adam Walker held a public meeting on the island in January. It was well attended.  A report was subsequently submitted to BC Ferries and MoTI. Neither BC Ferries or MoTI made any attempts to meet with island residents; nor did they respond to invitations to attend the Island meeting in January. 

   

There has been a new contract negotiated and signed for continued ferry service on Lasqueti Island (Route 55), which to date has not been viewed by the Ferry Committee.  A Freedom of Information request has been made through MLA Walker’s office; we will receive a copy following the completion of that process.  

   

The Ferry Committee continues to work with WPM on some outstanding issues, such as: crew shortages and training; vessel capacity; communications; annual meetings; electronic pass systems; touch pay capability; prepaid passes; return fares; the condition of the current vessel;  and the hiring of local crew members.

   

There have been a number of improvements to the ferry service during the past few months and the Ferry Committee remains hopeful that the island will maintain a safe and reliable ferry service on Lasqueti Island. 

   

We are honoured to work on your behalf.
- Shelley Garside, for your Ferry Committee:

Sue Kristinsson, Jana Vannan, Tim Peterson, Ezra Auerbach, Peter Johnston, Andrew Fall, Shelley Garside.