The Province is looking for public input on what coastal transportation should look like as part of the process to develop a vision for British Columbia's coastal ferry services. 

“Decisions on transportation investments have long-lasting impacts – that’s why it’s important that the people of British Columbia should have a say in the future of coastal ferry transportation,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our government has restored 2,700 ferry sailings, reduced and frozen ferry fares and amended legislation, all of which are resulting in benefits to communities. Our next step is to develop a broad provincial vision so we can be sure that we have the right ferry services in place in the future.”

To start the process, Trevena will meet with stakeholders in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Salt Spring Island, Sunshine Coast, Haida Gwaii and Comox. These meetings will help inform the broader visioning process.

This engagement will continue into the new year and will include an online component. The visionining process may include exploring additional ways of connecting coastal communities, such as:

• supplementing current services with passenger-only ferries;
• expanding transportation choices; and
• innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The ministry intends to launch the online engagement in the new year.

Developing a provincial vision was one of the key recommendations brought forward by Blair Redlin, who conducted a review of coastal ferry services. With recent amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act to better support public interest, a vision will help guide the BC Ferries commissioner and the BC Ferry Authority in making decisions that also best serve the travelling public.

Learn More:

To read Redlin’s report, Connecting Coastal Communities – Review of Coastal Ferry Services, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/reports-and-reference/reports-and-studies/ferries-marine/20180630-review-coastal-ferry-services.pdf