The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has asked Premier David Eby to do what he can to change the Office of the B.C. Ferry Commissioner’s decision to deny B.C. Ferries a fifth major vessel in its replacement program.
In a letter written on behalf of 14 coastal chambers of commerce and five tourism marketing organizations, Bruce Williams, chief executive of the Victoria chamber asked Eby to better articulate his expectations of the commission and get the fifth vessel approved.
“We feel the decision by the commissioner was not prudent in consideration of multiple factors. B.C. Ferries’ fleet is already operating at capacity with consecutive years of record-setting passenger volumes being challenged by the issues of an aging fleet,” Williams said. “The long-term reliability of the fleet and affordability of repairs and maintenance present an ongoing threat to a reliable supply chain, economic growth and the visitor economy.
“To delay the acquisition of a fifth vessel simply defers the cost of that build which will unquestionably be higher at a later time. The costs to repair aging vessels and the loss of revenue and impact to customers due to service disruptions is not acceptable or sustainable.”
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Eby would not commit to overriding the commissioner’s decision.
“We obviously need new boats,” he said, noting over the long weekend B.C. Ferries experienced massive lineups at the major terminals, sailing waits and traveller frustration. “B.C. Ferries has put forward their best proposal to the commissioner. My understanding is that they’ll continue to have a dialogue with the commissioner, but both B.C. Ferries and the commissioner are independent of government.
“There are implications that come from government intervening and removing that independence, including assuming responsibility for the entirety of B.C. Ferries’ financial set of responsibilities. So it would be a very significant thing. I would just encourage B.C. Ferries and the commissioner to remain in touch with each other.”
Eby said he is very sympathetic for the need for five new vessels.
“I think we need boats that are going to be able to serve the public well into the future here in British Columbia. It’s critical for commerce, for tourism and as the Island Highway for so many families and businesses.”
Last month, Eva Hage, the ferry commissioner, approved only four of the five new major vessels B.C. Ferries had requested. In her ruling, Hage determined the capital expenditure for the procurement of four major vessels was essential and in the public interest. But she drew the line at B.C. Ferries adding the fifth.
The commissioner determined the fifth vessel was not essential in the first phase of a major vessel program and raised concerns about affordability, future fare pressures and what future demand is likely to be.
At the time, B.C. Ferries chief executive Nicolas Jimenez suggested the decision was short-sighted and would have a lasting impact on ferry customers, the economy and the future of the ferry service.
Williams and the chambers of commerce agree.
“While affordability has been positioned as a guiding principle in the commission’s decision, there is no definition of ‘affordability’ in the commissioner’s legislation,” Williams wrote.
“This creates a challenge when attempting to fully consider and meet the needs of businesses, taxpayers, the tourism industry and our supply chain. Affordability is about more than just fares and yet there’s nothing that requires the commissioner to apply that lens.”
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