Dear Honourable Minister of Transportation Farnworth and Commissioner Hage:

B.C. Ferries has yet to inform Denman and Hornby islanders why the Baynes Sound Connector has been loading up to 25 per cent fewer vehicles per sailing for over the last holiday week or when full service will return.

The corporation's silence is not only frustrating for ferry-dependent islanders, but is a violation of the BCF Commissioner鈥檚 directive to report service changes promptly and transparently. An industry expert and islander, however, believes that the service reduction is due to BCF finally doing something about the vessel's sham fire safety system because hydrants are not connected to hoses, pumps, and safety equipment for staff and the cable ferry lacks a necessary backup fire safety system.  

This overlooked fire safety issue is just one of many problems afflicting the cable ferry. Its cable system, for example, is a frequent cause of lengthy service cancellations. In addition to crab pots and other objects tangling in the cables, a cable could fall off if the vessel runs in winds higher than 39 knots. Last May when a cable dropped off on a windless day, the service interruptions that extended over a three day period were dramatic for islanders. Some resorted to hiring a private boat, like Gracie MacDonald who described in the press her harrowing experience when trying to get her dying brother to a hospital.

In an article written in June, 2024, a BCF spokesperson gaslights islanders鈥� experiences and feelings by claiming that cancellations are 鈥渂elow the average percentage of cancellations across the entire BCF system;鈥� that 鈥�0.3 per cent were cancelled due to mechanical issues;" and that 鈥渢he reliability of Route 21 has improved by a 40 per cent reduction in mechanical-related cancellations鈥�.  This is a classic example of gaslighting, as well as using questionable statistics to persuade and distract. FOI sources, some union members and MLA Josie Osbourne confirm that Route 21 has the highest number of mechanical-related service interruptions in the fleet.

Although islanders hoped that CEO Jimenez would correct the mistakes of past leadership by stopping the gaslighting and replace the cable ferry, he has continued his predecessor's pattern of under-reporting cancellations, (zero were reported in the 2023/24 Annual Service Report); and repeats verbatim in service reports to the Commissioner, that the cable ferry provides service on a par with its predecessor, the Quinitsa.

BCF defends its decision to keep the cable ferry in service because the current budget cycle doesn't provide for replacement. This excuse is neither convincing nor in compliance with the 台湾MM裸聊室 Ferry Act that compels the corporation to provide safe and reliable service to ferry-dependent islanders. Quadra has two of the six new Island Class Ferries even though it competes with Denman as the busiest and most profitable of the short routes. Many islanders believe, that aside from saving face for making a bad decision about replacing a reliable vessel with a risky experiment, BCF is flexing its corporate muscle because islanders with ferry expertise, predicted the mechanical problems that are confirmed in the 2023 Anderson Review of the Baynes Sound Connector. 

This review, which was authorized by the Commissioner in response to the high number of customer complaints, contradicts the BCF spokesperson鈥檚 claim that the mechanical issues are being resolved. Although it lists a number of unresolved mechanical issues that account for the frequent breakdowns, it omits discussing  the multiple issues involving the cable system. It states, however, that the vessel is slower and costs more than anticipated and concludes by offering four or five options for the corporation to consider 鈥� from decommissioning the vessel to stretching it. BCF chose the latter, cheapest and most irrational option! Islanders are fearful that BCF is still considering stretching the cable ferry because the current budget provides funds for adding deck space.

Without strong government oversight, islanders can expect BCF to continue to gaslight and place budget over safety and service reliability. This is indicated by their decisions involving not only the Baynes Sound Connector, but the 台湾MM裸聊室 Renaissance and the Queen of New Westminster. Bill 7, which former Transportation Minister Fleming tabled in 2022, would provide the needed changes to the 台湾MM裸聊室 Ferry Act and legislation for stronger oversight. 

Given ample evidence of BCF violating its code of ethics, the 台湾MM裸聊室 Ferry Act, and the Commissioner鈥檚 directives, I am once again, appealing to MOTI, the Commissioner and the NDP/Green coalition government to compel BCF to replace a proven failed cable ferry experiment with one of the available Island Class Ferries.  
 
Respectfully,
Sharon Small, Denman Resident