MV Quinsam
In worse shape of all minor route ferries
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, May 5 2008
After the introduction of folks at the head table - whose numbers were about equal to the members of the public - and the agenda was approved, it was time to hear from Gabriolans gathered in the clubhouse last Monday evening.
Jean McLaren - in full Ragin’ Granny fury - opined the huge pay raises that the BCF Board of Directors recently awarded themselves while fares were being hiked simultaneously was a “slap in the face.”
“I was told that these raises had nothing to do with fares, that I simply don’t understand and they didn’t wish to debate this,” she later told the Sounder about the response she received. “Doesn’t this money ultimately come from fares and our taxes?”
That pretty much sums up the meeting, a failure to communicate.
The highlight for Island residents was the admission by Chief Financial Officer and BCF Corp. Executive Vice-President, Rob Clarke that the MV Quinsam which serves Route 19 between Gabriola and Nanaimo was in the “worst shape of any ferry on the minor routes.”
Bottom line: our ferry needs a mid-life re-fit that will cost at least $15 million and perhaps $20 million. It will begin in October but is so extensive that it will take several stages to complete.
Ridership is down, vehicles and passengers, but BC Ferries says that is the result of changing demographics not rising fares.
The work currently being done in Descanso Bay is foreshore armouring (rip-rap) estimated to cost $850,000, “spring time painting” and in June, the #2 floating lead will be replaced.
There is more but we want to consult our notes and interview some folks about what they think happened, including why a meeting - with expenses involved - to provide information on issues that are vital to the community attracted so few people.
Why didn’t you attend and what do you want to say to the FAC members and BC Ferry officials who were - or weren’t - at the head table. Please E-mail: brucemason@shaw.ca.
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