Islanders protest rate hikes, service cuts at BC Ferries terminals
Posted March 15, 2014 6:13 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HORSESHOE BAY (NEWS1130) – They’re calling it a day of solidarity. Protesters stood in front of BC Ferries‘ terminals along the coast Saturday donning signs decrying service cuts and upcoming fare hikes set to take effect in April.
Quadra Island protesters at the Campbell River terminal got on a boat to chant, sing and drum up support. The problem was they didn’t pay. RCMP had to be called in before demonstrators finally shelled out for fares, but it took an hour-long peaceful standoff with police. No one was arrested and protesters say they made their point.
Meanwhile, dozens of people arrived at Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal at around noon to show their anger over BC Ferry’s move to cut sailings while hiking rates.
David Parkin from Bowen Island says he supports his Quadra Island neighbours.
“In other communities and with other people, and people who are not as comfortable as [the majority of those living on Bowen Island], it could have serious impacts. We’re looking at a situation that makes no economic sense whatsoever.” Parkin says the Bowen Island community wasn’t consulted on the hikes until after they were announced, with a community meeting only held about a month ago.
Maureen Nicholson, who has been living on Bowen Island for nearly 10 yars, says the estimated cost is significant to Island communities.
“It’ll cost a really small island over a million dollar in economic costs. There are other communities I think are going to be absolutely devastated by this round of service cuts and fare hikes.” She says it’s very stressful being treated like a bunch of castaways.
Nicholson says the provincial government needs to assess how people living on ferry-dependent communities will be affected before making drastic changes. Nicholson says she doesn’t know whether she would have moved to Bowen Island had she known there would be significant fare hikes and reductions in sailings.
Nicholson, Parkin and other protesters say the changes will eliminate the tourism sector of communities like Bowen Island, prevent school and sports groups from participating in activities or competitions on the mainland, and isolate seniors. Among the changes is the cancellation of free walk-on trips Monday to Thuesday for anyone over 65. Instead, seniors will be charged half-price.
