Residents and interested parties will soon have an opportunity to take part in the B.C. coastal ferries consultation and engagement process. As part of the B.C. government's commitment to open government, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is holding a series of public meetings to get input on coastal ferry services.

The review earlier this year by the independent BC Ferry Commissioner identified significant financial challenges including declining ridership and falling revenue. The commissioner specifically recommended the government, BC Ferries, ferry users and the public all need to be part of the solution. The ministry would like input on considerations to achieve $26 million in savings to 2016 and input on establishing a long-term vision for coastal ferry services in British Columbia that will keep our ferries affordable, efficient and sustainable.

The ministry is providing several opportunities for public consultation and engagement. All consultation and engagement meetings will be open to the public, with a series of small group meetings and open houses taking place in 30 communities. Discussion guides and feedback forms will be available at the meetings and online. Copies of the discussion guide and feedback form have been distributed to municipal offices, libraries and First Nations band offices in coastal communities. Information about how to participate can be found at: www.coastalferriesengagement.ca

Meetings and open houses will be held in the following locations:

Prince Rupert
Friday, Nov. 9
1-3 p.m. Small Group Meeting at the North Coast Convention Centre

Gabriola Island
Tuesday, Nov. 13
6-9 p.m. Public Open House at The Haven

Penelakut
Wednesday, Nov. 14
12-3 p.m. Public Open House at the Adult Learning Centre

Pender Island
Wednesday, Nov. 14
5-8 p.m. Public Open House at Pender Island Community Hall

Thetis Island
Wednesday, Nov. 14
5-8 p.m. Public Open House at Thetis Island Forbes Community Hall

Salt Spring Island
Thursday, Nov. 15
9-11 a.m. Small Group Meeting at the Harbour House Hotel
2-4 p.m. Small Group Meeting at the Harbour House Hotel
6-9 p.m. Public Open House at the Harbour House Hotel

Nanaimo
Thursday, Nov. 15
1-3 p.m. Small Group Meeting at the Coast Bastion Inn
9-11 a.m. Small Group Meeting at the Coast Bastion Inn
6-9 p.m. Public Open House at the Coast Bastion Inn

Galiano Island
Saturday, Nov. 17
12-3 p.m. Public Open House at Galiano Community Hall

To attend a small group meeting, please email coastalferriesengagement@gov.bc.ca or call toll-free at 1 855 387-7882. No RSVP is required for public open houses. The first 90 minutes will be a public open house. The second 90 minutes will be a question-and-answer session.

B.C. is committed to providing a sustainable coastal ferry service that is safe, reliable and efficient and meets the needs of the people of British Columbia.

Quick Facts:

• The system meets or exceeds targets for most key performance indicators, the reliability index is 99.53 per cent and customer satisfaction is 89 per cent.

• Last year, BC Ferries reported the lowest vehicle numbers in 13 years and the lowest passenger volume in 21 years.

• Last year, most BC Ferries routes operated below 50 per cent capacity on average.

• Government funding is currently more than $180 million - $150 million from the Province and $30 million from the federal government.

• Total taxpayer contribution through to 2016 is almost $800 million.

Connect:

BC Ferries Consultation and Engagement: www.coastalferriesengagement.ca

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241