Ferry Schedule Options

It has been brought to the attention of the FAC, that there may be some confusion on what options are currently available for endorsement as a local resident. There are 3 options.

 

A link to the options; 

 

http://www.bcferries.com/about/publicconsultation2/2014_service_Level_adjustments/schedule_options_rt20.html

 

1. The Province's: Eliminates the late Fri eve sailing, and the 6:20pm/6:50 Chem-Thetis dedicated sailing.

It begs to be said, that on the BC Ferries survey, they refer to the 6:50pm ferry sailing as the 6:35pm.

 

2. Option 1: Removes the 6:20pm/6:50pm Chem-Thetis dedicated sailing, and spreads out the 7:25 and 8:15 sailings to fill the gap. It also advances the last sailing, to make the last sailing from Chemainus 9:35pm.

 

3. Option 2: has many more changes, and really needs to be viewed. There is a copy on the BC Ferries site. Essentially, it eliminates the6:20pm/6:50 Chem-Thetis dedicated sailing, and has the last Chemainus departure at 9:40pm.

There are the same number of crossings with both options 1 and 2.

 

There is also another option available. We are calling it the 'Route 20 Community Option.'

 

There was some information and clarification in the past, that there was not an opportunity for further discussion and community/FAC proposed schedule plan. I am now officially confirming that there is a 4th option. We have confirmation with the BC Ferries representatives, that if we can rally community support for a viable schedule, they will review it and the meeting of 03 Mar 14, will shed more light on where it will go from there.

 

Later on Fri 21 Feb 14, I will toss out another espokes with the 'Route 20 Community Option' schedule. We will attempt to have it available in many formats. Along with the schedule, will be a narrative to support the changes and guide your introduction, and a fact sheet, comparing the current schedule, options 1&2, and of course, Route 20 Community Option.

 

We have the support in principal from Penelakut Band, and are awaiting their official Council vote. They just had Council elections on the 19th, so they're a little busy, however they are aware of the time restrictions.

 

The plan so far is to submit the  Route 20 Community Option to BC Ferries, no later than the morning of Wed, 26 Feb 14 . That will give the BCF think tank 3 full working days to complete their initial viability assessment.

 

To achieve the Wed deadline, we need to rally the support of the community. The FAC will conduct an official presentation of the Route 20 Community Option schedule, Monday 24 Feb and/or Tuesday 25 Feb. Exact timings etc to follow.

 

In the mean time, I would encourage Thetis Islanders to complete the BC Ferries on-line survey, and give them your opinions and make your choice. The outcome of our proposed schedule will likely not be affected by the surveys being conducted by the BC Ferries.

 

If you have seen the schedule and would like to endorse it right away, the Thetis FAC have created a dedicated email to accept your approval and thoughts. The email is;

 

r20commopt@gmail.com

 

I am available for questions; hunter@imembers.ca

 

Sincerely,

 

Art Hunter

FAC Chemainus-Thetis-Penelakut

hunter@imembers.ca

250-533-9327