Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

Mission Statement In carrying out its mandate, Bowen Island Municipality will work towards conducting operations in a way that:  Improves the economic, environmental and social well-being for present and future generations;  Encourages and fosters community involvement;  Enhances the small, friendly, caring character of the community;  Maintains an open, accountable and effective operation; and  Preserves and enhances the unique mix of natural ecosystems and green spaces that Bowen Island possesses.

NOTICE: That a Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting will be held at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 7:15 PM for the transaction of business listed below.

Hope Dallas, Committee Clerk

REVISED AGENDA Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 30, 2015

(REVISED TO INCLUDE LATE ITEMS) Page Timing

OPENING OF COMMITTEE MEETING 7:15 pm

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1.1 Introduction of Late Items

Recommendation: That the Transportation Advisory Committee approve the agenda and Late Items agenda (if applicable) for the June 30, 2015 committee meeting.

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

2.1 Minutes of the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting held May 4 - 8 26, 2015 for adoption.

Recommendation: That the minutes of the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting held May 26, 2015 be adopted.

Bowen Island Municipality June 30, 2015 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 1 of 40 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Comment is an opportunity for members of the Public to comment regarding items on the agenda or any other comments or issues they may wish to bring to the Committee's attention.

4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

4.1 Establishment of the Ferry Advisory Committee Sub-Committee  Number of Members  External Members  Procedural Items: Election of Chair and Vice Chair, Minutes and Meeting Schedule

4.2 Discussion re: Council Submission to the BC Ferry Commissioner

a. Draft Letter from Council re: Submission to BC Ferries 9 - 12 Commissioner re: PT4 Preliminary Price Caps, dated June 16, 2015

4.3 Establishment of Translink Sub-Committee:  Number of Members  External Members  Procedural: Election of Chair and Vice Chair, Minutes, Meeting Schedule  Establishment of Working Groups (i.e. Horseshoe Bay Terminal Issues, Ferry Schedules, etc.)

4.4 Update from Transportation Action Group

4.5 Meeting with TransLink on July 7, 2015:  Draft Agenda Items  Gas Tax Discussion

4.6 Update from Water Taxi Action Group

5. NEW BUSINESS

5.1 Review of Hatching on Bowen Island Trunk Road Prior to Paving

5.2 Process for Posting on Bulletin Board on Queen of Capilano

6. INFORMATION ITEMS Note to members of the Public: if your correspondence is referenced in this section below and you wish to speak to the Committee regarding such, you are welcome to appear during our "Public Comment" section near the beginning of this agenda

6.1 Letters from Members of the Public in Support of Bowen Island 13 - 20 Community Transit's Application for the Independent Transit Service.

6.2 Letter from Gordon Ganong, Chair Economic Development Committee, 21 - 22 to Translink Board re: In Support of BICT Application ITS Agreement with

Bowen Island Municipality June 30, 2015 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 2 of 40 Translink, dated June 9, 2015

6.3 Islands Trust Request for Decision re: Advocacy, Skeeking Provincial 23 - 32 Investment to Reduce Fares on BC Ferries' Minor Routes by 25%, dated May 15, 2015

6.4 Draft Letter from Council re: Support for Islands Trust Request to 33 - 35 Province to Reduce Ferry Fares by 25%, dated June 16, 2015

6.5 Correspondence from Marty Levenson re: Bulletin Boards, dated June 36 20, 2015

6.6 BC Ferries Traffic Statistics April- May 2015 37 - 38

6.7 Correspondence from BC Ferries re: Ride Share Location on Queen of 39 Capilano, dated June 3, 2015

6.8 Excerpts from the Draft June 22, 2015 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 40

7. NEXT MEETING

8. ADJOURNMENT 9:15 pm

Bowen Island Municipality June 30, 2015 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 3 of 40 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting May 26, 2015

DRAFT Minutes BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY

Minutes of the Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting held Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 7:15 PM at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, B.C.

COMMITTEE IN Susanna Braund, Acting Chair ATTENDANCE David Hocking David Honing Kevin Jones Ken Simpson Councillor Sue Ellen Fast Councillor Melanie Mason Councillor Alison Morse

REGRETS Adam Holbrook

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Hope Dallas, Committee Clerk

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE Brian Biddlecombe* Bethany Dobson Councillor Maureen Nicholson Mike Shannon* (* Denotes partial attendance)

OPENING OF COMMITTEE The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. MEETING

APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was Moved and Seconded That the Transportation Advisory Committee approve the agenda for the May 26, 2015 committee meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the It was Moved and Seconded Transportation Advisory That the minutes of the Transportation Advisory Committee Committee meeting held meeting held May 7, 2015 be adopted as amended: May 7, 2015 for adoption. • Page 3, 2nd bullet, Change “Bowen Island Community Transit (BICT)” to “ Members of the Transportation Action Group” CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

PUBLIC COMMENTS Nil. Page 4 of 40 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting May 26, 2015

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Update from David Hocking provided a brief update regarding the Transportation Action Transportation Action Group’s work with Translink for approval Group (TAG) re: Progress of the continuation of a through-bus to downtown Vancouver. on getting TransLink David noted that Translink has expressed concerns that Bowen Approval for the Island Community Transit has been operating in conflict of the Continuation of the Translink contract. David further noted that BICT has resolved Through-Bus Service these concerns with Translink and has submitted a detailed work plan to continue the Independent Transit Service (ITS). David advised that BICT should receive a response from the TransLink Board within the next week and that there is no action needed from the working group at this time.

Councillor Mason advised that the Economic Development Committee offered to write a letter supporting alternative forms of transportation as well, noted that letters from other organizations may help strengthen the work plan.

Update from Water Taxi Ken Simpson advised that the Water Taxi Working Group have Working Group not had their first meeting. Ken further advised that he has had informal discussions with water taxi providers to see the feasibility of a water taxi meeting the through-bus in Horseshoe Bay- this could be an economical way, if enough users, to get home quicker. Ken noted that users have done a trial run but nothing is formal at this point. The committee discussed the need to get more information from service provides on what type of service they might provide, what runs they use and a price point.

Ken advised that the group will meet and bring forward an update to the next meeting.

Review of Updated 2015 The committee discussed the draft work plan and upcoming BIMTAC Work Plan items. The following points were discussed: • Review of schedule changes with Translink will require public consultation • Need to establish Ferry Advisory Committee group – what kind of representation should be included (families, seniors/disabilities, car/bus users) • Public consultation/outreach will help to seek interested members to serve on the FAC • Meeting of the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs (FACC) in August Page 5 of 40 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting May 26, 2015

• Timeline for approval from Translink- need to establish a working group during this time (approx. July- August) • Rennison parking lot has reverted back to pay parking with the exception of 15 dedicated transit user parking spaces

It was Moved and Seconded That the Transportation Advisory Committee recommend that Council direct staff to work with members of the Transportation Advisory Committee to develop an ad requesting members of the public interested in serving on the BC Ferries Ferry Advisory Committee. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Report of the BC Ferries The Committee briefly discussed the BC Ferries Ferry Advisory Ferry Advisory Committee Committee meeting held May 13, 2015 in Horseshoe Bay. Meeting held May 13, Discussion ensued. Key comments included: 2015 • Schedule pre-meeting with committee before meetings • Letter to the Editor of with external agencies or organizations a pre-meeting in the Bowen Island order to determine strategy and priority of agenda items Undercurrent • Need to approach BC Ferries with a concrete plan that the committee has consensus on • Corrine Storey has changed job titles, Darin Guenette will remain the primary contact for BIMTAC Action Item: • Councillor Morse will get clarification on who BIMTAC should be reporting to The Acting Chair noted that the intent of the document was to Councillor Mason and Vice hand out at the BC Ferries ticket booth to foot and vehicle Chair re: Communication passengers not using an experience card as well as post on the Initiatives ferry notice board. The Acting Chair asked that the committee • Draft Bowen Ferry provide comments on the document and she and David Hocking Information and will work together to make it shorter and more concise. Etiquette for Vehicle Traffic • Draft Bowen Ferry Etiquette for Foot Passengers

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion re: Date and The committee discussed agenda items to discuss with Agenda Items for meeting Translink regarding on-island transportation issues. Discussion with TransLink ensued. Key comments included: • Critical bus connections between 257 Express Bus and Page 6 of 40 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting May 26, 2015

BC Ferries including additional busses in Horseshoe Bay • Outcome of Translink referendum- how does it relate to service on and from Bowen Island • Need discussion with Translink planner to look at schedules and routes over the summer season • Encourage strategic conversations between Translink and BC Ferries • Alternate modes of transportation including water taxi service • Need to work collectively with MLA Jordan Sturdy on transportation issues Action Item: • Committee Clerk will follow-up with CAO re: Status of scheduling a meeting with Translink • Councillor Morse and David Honing will work on statistics for amount spent on Gas Tax in preparation for meeting with Translink

Discussion re: Response to Councillor Morse advised that a draft document was circulated BC Ferry Commissioner re: to the committee for review. Discussion ensued. Key comments Performance Term 4 (PT-4) included: • Need to address issue of re-fit of Horseshoe Bay terminal • Service levels for the northern half of the island • Technology to facilitate users buying tickets online before reaching the terminal • Disruption in service due to other vessels arriving and departing Horseshoe Bay disrupting service – can Bowen receive compensation for the delays? • How are costs being allocated for the terminal rebuild/renovation- what is the benefit for Bowen island? • Calculations for 25% reduction in minor routes • Pre-paid fares- increases hardship on users to have to pay upfront Action Item: • Councillor Alison Morse will re-draft the response to the BC Ferry Commissioner for the committee to review and return with changes by June 10th for inclusion on the June 22nd Council agenda

Move to a Closed Meeting It was Moved and Seconded That the Transportation Advisory Committee waive the notice requirements to hold a closed meeting pursuant to section 127(4) of the Community Charter; and That the Transportation Advisory Committee move to a closed meeting to review items Page 7 of 40 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting May 26, 2015

pursuant to Section (90)(1)(k) of the Community Charter. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

NEXT MEETING Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 7:15 p.m. Agenda Items: • Review of hatching and suggested improvements to Bowen Trunk Road before paving commences • Update from Water taxi Action Group • North Shore Area Transit Planning

ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Certified Correct:

Susanna Braund, Acting Chair Hope Dallas, Committee Clerk

Page 8 of 40

To: Mayor Skeels and Council From: Bowen Island Municipality Transportation Committee Date: June 16, 2015 Subject: Submission to BC Ferries Commissioner Re PT4 Preliminary Price Caps

Recommendation: That Council endorse the submission in response to the BC Ferries Commissioner’s invitation for comment on The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term, and;

That staff be directed to forward the submission to the BC Ferry Commission, and;

That the submission be copied to Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Jordan Sturdy, MLA and Mike Corrigan, President and CEO BC Ferries.

Background: The BC Ferries Commissioner released The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term and invited comments. BIMTAC has reviewed these documents and the other documents that were prepared for the Commissioner by PricewaterhousehouseCoopers (PwC). BIMTAC at its May 26th meeting discussed what it wanted to cover in the submission and attached submission has been prepared and circulated to all the committee members.

Committee members have endorsed this submission and request that Council endorse it and that it be forwarded to the Commissioner.

Page 9 of 40

Needs to be dated and put onto BIM letterhead once submission and motion approved

BC Ferry Commissioner PO Box 9279 Stn Prov Gov’t Victoria, BC, V8W 9J7

Via email [email protected]

Dear Commissioner Macatee:

Bowen Island Municipal Council at its meeting on Monday June 22nd considered the attached submission in response to your invitation for comment on The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term.

Council unanimously resolved: That Council endorse the submission in response to the BC Ferries Commissioner’s invitation for comment on The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term, and; That staff be directed to forward the submission to the BC Ferry Commissioner.

Yours truly,

Kathy Lalonde Chief Administrative Officer Bowen Island Municipality cc Todd Stone…… Jordan Sturdy…… Mike Corrigan

Page 10 of 40

Bowen Island Municipality Response to the BC Ferry Commissioner Re: The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision For the Fourth Performance Term

These comments are submitted in response to the BC Ferry Commissioner’s invitation to comment on The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term.

We are pleased to see the preliminary price cap at 1.9%, close to the rate of inflation. However we must note that the 1.9% will be added to an existing fare that has already reached the tipping point and is too high. As noted in our earlier submission; past fare increases well in excess of inflation have had a financial impact on the commuters as well as our other residents and the recent service reductions have had an impact on the quality of life for our residents.

Bowen’s close proximity to Vancouver makes it unique amongst the minor routes. Bowen Island is part of Metro Vancouver, which is expecting over 1 million new residents by 2040. A significant portion of the residents of Bowen commute on a daily basis to the largest metropolitan area in BC. Bowen (rte. 8) is very much a commuter route as can be seen from the peak morning traffic off Bowen and afternoon return from Horseshoe Bay and the high Experience card use. Bowen, unlike many of the other minor routes, has a significant population of families with young children: 28.0% of the population according to the 2011 census was age 0-18 compared to the provincial average of 20.6% and the Islands Trust average of 14.9%.

Metro Vancouver’s recently completed Housing and Transportation Cost Burden Study presents a new way of looking at housing affordability in the Metro Vancouver region. The Executive Summary notes that “many families are struggling under the weight of a heavy housing and transportation cost burden, leaving them with difficult choices about what to spend on food, clothing, child care, and other expenses.” The report goes on to say “High housing and transport costs together make the region less competitive.” This is even truer for Bowen with the added cost of ferry fares that have increased well above the rate of inflation.

The Islands Trust Council, as the Commissioners know, has asked the Province to invest additional funds annually to reduce fares by 25%. Bowen Island Municipality supports this request. Considering the above comments this should have a positive impact on commuter travel costs giving them more discretionary dollars to spend, increase ferry ridership and benefit the Bowen economy and thus provincial revenues.

Another impact of the high fares is the high buy in amount for the experience card which many lower income households find difficult to pay. These households, the ones who least can afford

Page 11 of 40

it are forced to pay the regular fare as they cannot afford to maintain an experience card. Lowers fares could help with this issue.

We are pleased to note that the report makes the following comments with respect to the estimated capital investments of over 200 million for the rebuild of the Horseshoe Bay terminal as well as replacement of six vessels: “Avoiding at least some of that capital cost would have a positive effect on fares in PT5 and beyond. For purposes of planning for PT5, BC Ferries is directed to revisit its capital plan with a view to reducing the total long term capital plan by $100 million. To do this, the company will need to continue its planning and analysis on the Major and Minor Routes strategies, including a revisit of its plans for the Horseshoe Bay terminal and consolidation of terminals.” As route 8 uses the Horseshoe Bay terminal we are extremely concerned about the disruption that a major rebuild would cause and being a commuter route this will mean daily impacts to our residents for many months. We are also concerned about the costs for this work being allocated to route 8. Therefore we are very supportive of the need to do the proper analysis of all the options so that decisions are made with full knowledge of all the costs and impacts. We also support the need for significant public consultation particularly with the daily users of the terminal such as the riders on route 8.

We note that the capital plans set out in BC Ferries submissions will be subject to a more thorough review and approval through a Section 55 application. As we noted in our earlier submission the capital plan contemplates replacing like with like and providing the exact same type of service as the contract sets out and does not contemplate any consultation with the communities to ascertain just what type of service or type of vessel the community needs. We trust that this is the sort of review the Commissioners will require and for commuter routes such as ours and for Howe Sound that passenger ferry service to Vancouver will be considered. As well we note that the PwC comments on the Efficiency Plan indicate that Integration Planning with the provincial transportation network will also be essential. For the routes feeding into Horseshoe Bay it is important to also integrate planning with the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) network.

We hope that the Commissioners will provide the necessary impetus to BCF to move forward with new and creative ways to deliver the service the communities need in consultation with the communities.

Page 12 of 40 Casey Grundy

From: Markus Sent: June-18-15 7:53 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: re. in support of BlCT appli,cation ITS agreement with Tran5L,lnk

To Bowen Island Municipality Mayor and Council: I fully endorse that Council send a letter under the Mayor's signature to the TransLinkBoard in support for the application of a independent transit service for a through-bus to downtown Vancouver by Bowen Island Community Transit. This service saves me up to 2 hours each day of commuting. ——MarkusRoemer

Page 13 of 40 Casey Grundy

From: Kim Desantel _ _ Sent: June-18-15 3:07 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: Support of the Through Bus to Downtown—Great strides so far

I am frequent user of the through bus to downtown and great strides have been made in the service level to commuters Versus the Translink bus schedules. In fact I can't remember the last time I was on the 250 or 257 and I commute M~F 4 weeks every month. Coupling this bus service with water taxi has also been a huge leap forward for commuters that it would be a shame to see things start to go backwards.

Real progress has been made on this front and the BIM and commuters need to build on this going forward. It would be a shame to have to return to the previous services in place

Thank you.

Kim Desante

Page 14 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Hope Dallas Sent: June—18—l51:55 PM To: Hope Dallas Subject: FW:Through—BusService

From: Dan Roden Sent: June—18—1512:52 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: Fwd: Through—BusService

Hi,

I have been informed that there is a meeting tonight to discusspossible options for turning the Through-Bus Service that has been in place since the Ferries upgrade into a sustainablecontinued serviceafter this is complete. ,

I would like to lend my support for this and what has been a fantastic service so far for the following reasons:

~ It provides an efficient way of commuting downtown can save between 20-30 minutes each way compared with the express 257 bus as it is synchronised with the Bowen ferries so there is less waiting time either way. It also doesn't do the multiple Horseshoe Bay and Park Royal stops wl1ichalso assists the time to downtown.

To get the 6.30pm ferry from downtown, and to ensure I make the ferry cutoff, I need to leave at 5.08 on the 257 bus. With the Through Bus-Service 1can put it up at 5.50pm and it will still make the ferry.

- From a personal cost, not taking the car and parking downtown is a huge cost saving and allows 1ne to work or read rather than sit in traffic.

~ From an environmentalperspective, people being encouraged to take a dedicated bus instead of driving is obviously a bene?t. - I have heard from a realtor on the island that one of the reasons Whyreal estate is not as attractive for potential buyers on Bowen versus North and West Vancouver is the rising cost of the ferries and time it takes to commute. Having a sustainableway of getting downtime in a realistic timefraine could assist this. I have anecdotal evidence of two people I know who are interested in moving back to Bowen if this service continues as they currently see the existing options as taking too long for a daily commute.

I am con?dent that you can find a way of making this continue. If you asked every single person that has come to rely on the service, whether they want it to continuethen you would get extremely positive feedback.

Thanks, Dan

Page 15 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Hope Dallas Sent: June—l8—l51:56 PM To: Hope Dallas Subject: FW: Peter King's Commuter Bus

~————OriginalMessage————— From: Daniel Cowper Sent: June—18«15 1:13 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: Peter King'sCommuter Bus

Dear All,

I am writing to ask the Mayor and Council to support Peter's super express service. It greatly reduces the time and stress involved in commuting to downtown from Bowen, while keeping the cost of commuting in the Bowen economy. Peter is growing the Bowen economy, while also letting his passengers spend more time with their families without reducing their work hours. it's amazing.

Best Regards,

Daniel Cowper

Page 16 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Hope Dallas Sent: June—l8—151:59 PM To: Hope Dallas Subject: FW:In Support of Peter King's Through»Bus

From: David Griffiths Sent: June—17—1510:53 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: In Support of Peter King'sThrough-Bus

My family is new to Bowen Island - about seven months now. The first month on the island, I commuted by ferry, bus and Skytrain to my office near OlympicVillage, on the south side of the Cambie Bridge. The time it took to commute was so great that] soon switch to English Bay Launch, which dropped me off at Granville Island - far more convenient.

The mid-life re-tit of the Queenof Capilano had an unexpected bene?t - BC Ferries subsidized a through-bus to downtown Vancouver, for Bowen Island residents.

I took the bus once or twice a week during the ferry re-?t, and while the English Bay Launch water-taxi has been more convenient for me, I try to take the bus from time to time, as I believe it is a very valuable addition to those that commute from Bowen Island to downtown Vancouver. It's a serviceI'd very much like to see continue.

The bene?t of living on Bowen Island is community, and living so close to nature in an unbelievably peaceful environment.The downside to living on Bowen Island is the commuting. The through-bus reducesthe pain of commutingto the point that an islander can get to downtown Vancouver in aboutthe same amount of time as someone living in New Westminster or Coquitlam.

When BC Ferries launched a contest to name the new ferries, there were a lot of submissionsthat indicatedthat the residentsof BC were not happy with the fares BC Ferries charged for the serviceprovided. One of the more amusing names was "QueenofNo Other Choice";that one sticks with me, becauseon Bowen, we now have choices - direct buses and water taxis - both of which put money into the pockets of local entrepreneurs.

Lets not squander this opportunity to make living on Bowen Island more livable.

David Griffiths Xxxx Hiker's Trail Rd Bowen Island BC 604 947 xxxx

Page 17 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Hope Dallas Sent: June—18—151:58 PM To: Hope Dallas

Subject: FW: Regular Council Meeting on Monday June 22,2015 — agenda item 12.1.b)

From: Kate Coffey Sent: June—18—155:16 AM To: Mayor Council

Subject: Regular Council Meeting on Monday June 22, 2015 — agenda item 12.1.b)

Dear Sir/Madam

Please accept this email as a request for Council to support the letter contained in agenda item 12.1.b) for the Regular Council Meeting on Monday June 22, 2015 “EconomicDevelopment Committee re: Letter in Support for Bowen Island Community Transit (BICT)Application ITSAgreement withTranslink, dated June 9, 2015".

Ifyou need anything further from me, please do not hesitate to ask

Kindest regards

Kate

Kate Coffey Email:

Page 18 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Sarah Curtis < Sent: June—l8~155:49 AM To: Mayor Council Subject: In support of the through bus

Dear Mayor and Council,

I am writing to show musupport of Peter King'sthrough bus.

This is an excellent service!

Kindregards,

Sarah

Sent from my iPhone

Page 19 of 40 Casey Grundy

From: David Griffiths _, , ,, __,_, Sent: June-17-1510253 PM To: Mayor Council Subject: In Support of Peter King's Through—Bus

My family is new to Bowen Island - about seven months now. The ?rst month on the island, I commutedby ferry, bus and Skytrain to my of?ce near Olympic Village, on the south side of the Cambie Bridge. The time it took to commute was so great that I soon switch to English Bay Launch, which droppedme off at Granville

Island - far more convenient.

The mid-life re-?t of the Queenof Capilano had an unexpected bene?t - BC Ferries subsidized a through-bus to downtown Vancouver, for Bowen Island residents.

The bene?t of living on Bowen Island is community, and living so close to nature in an unbelievably peaceful environment. The downside to living on Bowen Island is the commuting. The through-bus reduces the pain of commuting to the point that an islander can get to downtown Vancouver in about the same amount of time as someone living in New Westminster or Coquitlam.

When BC Ferries launched a contest to name the new ferries, there were a lot of submissionsthat indicated that the residents of BC were not happy with the fares BC Ferries charged for the service provided. One of the more amusing names was "Queenof No Other Choice"; that one sticks with me, because on Bowen, we now have choices - direct buses and water taxis - both of which put money into the pockets of local entrepreneurs.

Lets not squander this opportunity to make living on Bowen Island more livable.

David Griffiths

Page 20 of 40

VIA EMAIL: [email protected]

TO: Translink Board c/o Doug Allen, Interim CEO Translink 400 – 287 Nelson’s Court New Westminster, BC V3L 0E7

FROM: Bowen Island Municipality Economic Development Committee (EDC)

SUBJECT: In support of BICT application ITS agreement with Translink

DATE: June 9, 2015

Dear Mr. Allen,

The Bowen Island Municipality Economic Development Committee is a committee of community volunteers facilitating Bowen Island Economic Development.

At its June 5, 2015 meeting, the Committee unanimously passed the following resolution:

The BIM Economic Development Committee direct the Chair to write to Translink, supporting the concept of Bowen Island Community Transit's (BICT) application for both an interim and long term application for an Independent Transit Service agreement (ITS) with Translink.

Transportation is a major driving factor in the health of any economy and we are writing today supporting the concept of the Bowen Island Community Transit’s (BICT) application for both an interim and long term Transit Service Agreement.

During the BC Ferries mid life upgrade of the Queen of Capilano, the pilot project has been extremely successful from a transportation perspective. The implementation of the through bus from Bowen Island to downtown Vancouver has also had a positive impact upon the Bowen economy.

We are supporting the concept of the continuation of the through bus service to downtown as follows:

• Feedback from realtors indicates additional home sales providing for families to move to Bowen Island. Bowen’s lifestyle is in high demand, however the opportunities for employment are limited. The through bus allows them the confidence to continue their

Page 1 of 2 ♦ 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 ♦ TEL: 604-947-4255 ♦ FAX: 604-947-0193 ♦ ♦ e-mail: [email protected] ♦ website: www.bimbc.ca ♦

Page 21 of 40 livelihood downtown and live here. Efficient transportation to their places of employment is vitally important.

• Filling the needs of new commuters will have a spin-off effect of new housing development and a boost for the fragile construction sector here on Bowen.

• With the continuation of passenger service via the through bus, Bowen can become more affordable as the requirement for a second vehicle in a family declines, leaving more disposable dollars to be spent with local goods and services.

• By continuing a through bus service, the certainty of an efficient commute will only add confidence to new residents and investors.

• Fewer vehicles are required and replaced by passengers on transit, encouraging greater use of other routes within the TransLink system.

Clearly, this service is good for Bowen Island’s economy.

Bowen Island transportation is not included as a major initiative in the recent plebiscite on the Mayor’s plan, and as Bowen Island is included as part of Metro Vancouver, the continuation of a through bus service will help build confidence with our linkages to Translink and help embrace Bowen as part of Metro Vancouver. Our community has a strong capacity to develop strategies to meet the unique transit needs of Bowen Island residents. As the North Shore strategies continue to develop, our track record of developing and implementing transit solutions should be an integral part of the process

Sincerely,

Gordon Ganong-Chair Bowen Island Economic Development Committee

cc: BIM Mayor and Council: [email protected] Kathy Lalonde, BIM CAO: [email protected] BIM Transportation Advisory Committee: [email protected] BIM Economic Development Committee: [email protected] Peter King, Bowen Island Community Transit: [email protected] Dan Freeman, Manager of Transt Network Management, Translink: [email protected] Matt Craig, A/Senior Manager, System Planner, Translink: [email protected] Merrilee Ashworth, Manager, Business Development and Contracted Services, Translink: [email protected]

Page 2 of 2 ♦ 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 ♦ TEL: 604-947-4255 ♦ FAX: 604-947-0193 ♦ ♦ e-mail: [email protected] ♦ website: www.bimbc.ca ♦

Page 22 of 40

REQUEST FOR DECISION

To: Trust Council For the Meeting of:: RWM

From: Executive Committee Date Prepared: May 15, 2015

SUBJECT: ADVOCACY SEEKING PROVINCIAL INVESTMENT TO REDUCE FARES ON BC FERRIES’ MINOR ROUTES BY 25%

RECOMMENDATION:

1. That the Islands Trust Council request that the provincial government provide sufficient funding to BC Ferries in 2016-2020 to reduce the fares on the minor routes by 25%.

2. That the Islands Trust Council invite trustees wishing to act as advisors to staff, between May 19, 2015 and June 30, 2015 on an advocacy campaign regarding reduction in minor route ferry fares to contact the Policy Advisor.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER COMMENTS:

With BC’s Minister of Transportation about to renew the performance term contract with BC Ferries, this is a pivotal time for Trust Council to influence provincial funding levels. Through this Resolution without Meeting, the Executive Committee is seeking support from Trust Council to advance a new advocacy position that requires staff and contractor work to be complete by early June. To be effective, this work cannot wait until Trust Council’s June meeting,

Trust Council’s meeting with the BC Ferries CEO on June 23rd will be another opportunity to reinforce this proposed new advocacy position.

Council members should note that, if staff time is spent on advocacy regarding BC Ferries fares, this work will delay staff’s work on Trust Council’s letter of comment to the National Energy Board on the proposed Trans Mountain (Kinder Morgan) pipeline due July 23rd.

IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION

ORGANIZATIONAL: Trust Area Services staff will allocate up to ten days of staff time until June 30, 2015 to developing and executing an advocacy campaign requesting that the provincial government provide sufficient funding to BC Ferries in 2016-2020 to reduce the fares on the minor routes by 25%. This work can be done within the current scope of Trust Council’s advocacy program and staff resources available. Agreeing to this new work will, however, delay staff’s drafting of Islands Trust Council’s letter of comment to the National Energy Board regarding the proposed Kinder Morgan Pipeline Expansion project until July.

Trustees who volunteer to provide advice to the BC Ferries advocacy project will need to assess the impact on their existing commitments to meet the tight deadlines of this project.

Page 23 of 40 Islands Trust Request For Decision Page 1 FINANCIAL: No financial implications from approving theserecommendations.

POLICY: No implications for existing policy.

IMPLEMENTATION/COMMUNICATIONS:

Staff have identified key stakeholders and have analyzed their stated positions. Staff will work with trustee advisors to:  undertake further work to examine stakeholder interests and develop appropriate key messages, communication methods and timelines; and  identify opinion leaders who can support and amplify Trust Council’s request for a 25% fare reduction on the minor routes.

Using the funding estimates and documentation provided by a contractor, staff will then prepare a communications/advocacy campaign plan for consideration by the Executive Committee in late May. The advocacy/communication plan may include the following methods:  Key messages provided to trustees, staff and allies in advance of public strategy  News Release  Opinion Editorial by Islands Trust Chair in Vancouver Sun or Victoria Times Colonist  Letter to Minister Stone/Premier Clark with ccs to official opposition critic for BC Ferries  Letters to Islands Trust Area MLAs  Letter to BC Ferry Commissioner by June 30  Social media strategy

It will be important for Islands Trust to make Trust Council’s request public by the first week in June 2015. The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure must finalize amendments to the Coastal Ferry Services Contract with BC Ferries by June 30, 2015.

The effectiveness of this advocacy campaign will depend on the ability of the Islands Trust representatives to encourage partners and allies to publicly repeat, support and amplify the key messages.

BACKGROUND

The Islands Trust Council has been concerned with high ferry fares for many years and has undertaken a robust advocacy campaign in regards to them.

The upcoming negotiations between the provincial government and BC Ferries for contract amendments for performance term 4 (2016-2020) offers an excellent opportunity to request increased provincial investment in BC Ferries. The BC Ferry Commissioner has proposed a preliminary fare cap of 1.9% for BC Ferries’ performance term 4 (2016-2020) and is accepting public comments until June 30, 2015.

While the BC Ferry Commissioner is considering feedback on the preliminary fare cap, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is considering amendments to the next Coastal Ferry Services Contract. By June 30, 2015 BC Ferries will submit an amended Coastal Ferry Services Contract to the BC Ferry Commissioner. By September 30, 2015, the BC Ferry Commissioner publishes the final fare cap that will take effect on April 1, 2016.

The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure has been quoted as saying that he has not ruled out increasing funding to BC Ferries and that he is interested in receiving public comments on the appropriate level of provincial investment in BC Ferries.

The most recent Trust Council direction about BC Ferries advocacy is from a June 2014 resolution:

Page 24 of 40 Islands Trust Request For Decision Page 2 That the Islands Trust Council prioritize BC Ferries advocacy with a focus on:  BC Ferries’ long-range plan (30 years);  the need for the Province to fund BC Ferries costs, including capital costs, at a level that will keep future fare increases in line with, or lower than, CPI while meeting essential transportation needs of ferry dependent communities; and  BC Ferries Commissioner’s pre-performance term four process.

On April 1, 2015, the Executive Committee directed staff to research the amount of Provincial investment that would be required for a 25% fare reduction on the minor routes and return to the Executive Committee with advocacy campaign ideas.

On May 13, 2015, the Executive Committee received a briefing from staff with preliminary advocacy campaign ideas and voted to recommend via a resolution without meeting (RWM) process that the Islands Trust Council:  request that the provincial government provide sufficient funding to BC Ferries in 2016- 2020 to reduce the fares on the minor routes by 25%.  invite trustees wishing to act as advisors to staff, between May 19, 2015 and June 30, 2015 on an advocacy campaign regarding reduction in minor route ferry fares to contact the Policy Advisor.

Rationale for requesting 25% reduction on the minor BC Ferries routes: The Islands Trust Council’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan includes strategy 4.2: Advocate for sustainable, affordable and appropriate ferry service as a method for advancing the objective 4. Enhance community economic sustainability and security.

In September 2015, the Union of BC Municipalities released a report that estimated that if BC Ferries’ fare increases from 2003-2013 had been limited to the rate of inflation, passenger volumes would have grown by 19%, adding $2.3 billion to the province’s GDP. Instead, over this same period, ridership dropped by 11%. The report concluded that this loss of economic activity was having a real impact on communities – fewer business incorporations, reduced housing starts and declining populations to name just a few indicators. The report also concluded that this reduced economic activity also represented a loss of $609 million in tax revenue at the federal, provincial and local government levels.

The UBCM report’s conclusions are similar to those in a year 2000 Economic Impact Analysis report from 2000 that the Islands Trust acquired through a freedom of information request in 2014.The report included statements such as:

o “In spite of financial losses to the Corporation, BC Ferries' spending is good news for the economy, specifically the local economies where the expenditures are made.” (p. ii) o “The existence of BC Ferries as a marine transportation carrier creates a number of impacts on local economies.” (p. 4) o The report describes economic impacts relating to direct employment, direct expenditures, spin-off effects, and provision of free transportation. The report also describes impacts that are less tangible and more difficult to measure including improved tourism, prices for consumer goods, and lifestyle. o “BC Ferries' spending creates impacts throughout the economy. The sectors benefiting the most are manufacturing; transportation and storage; business services; communications; wholesale trade; and finance and insurance.” (p. 31) o The Corporation's spending contributed $230 million to the province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). BC Ferries' contribution to GDP is about 0.2%. In terms of economic sectors, BC Ferries contributes about 2% of total GDP within the BC transportation sector. (p. ii).

Page 25 of 40 Islands Trust Request For Decision Page 3 A summary of past Trust Council resolutions regarding BC Ferries is in Attachment 1, and a summary of Islands Trust advocacy about BC Ferries since January 2014 is in Attachment 2.

Calculating 25% fare reduction calculation on minor routes

Further to the Executive Committee’s direction, staff have hired a contractor who will provide the following by May 19, 2015:

1. an Excel spreadsheet documenting calculations used to develop a range of estimates of funding amounts required to reduce BC Ferries’ minor routes (including Route 3) fares by up to 25% from current fares for consideration by the Islands Trust Executive Committee, and 2. an Excel spreadsheet documenting: calculations of what the Prepaid (ticked/Experience Card) fares for a car and driver on:  Routes 4 (Swartz Bay to Salt Spring Island),  Route 8 (Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island),  Route 19 (Nanaimo to Gabriola Island), and  Route 22 (Hornby Island to Denman Island) would have been on May 1, 2015 if the Prepaid (ticked/Experience Card) fares had only increased at the rate of inflation since April 1, 2003, and providing percent increase for each route compared with the actual percent increase for each route. 3. Written report of no more than three pages

REPORT/DOCUMENT:

1) Summary of Trust Council resolutions on BC Ferries December 2011- March 2014 2) Summary of Islands Trust’s BC Ferries Advocacy since January 2014

KEY ISSUE(S)/CONCEPT(S): Policy Statement Object; effective use of staff and financial resources; sustainable, affordable and appropriate ferry services

RELEVANT POLICY:

 Islands Trust Act, section 3 The object of the trust is to preserve and protect the trust area and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents of the trust area and of British Columbia generally, in cooperation with municipalities, regional districts, improvement districts, other persons and organizations and the government of British Columbia.  Islands Trust Policy Statement policy 5.3.1: Trust Council holds that local trust committees and island municipalities should be consulted and involved in the decision-making process regarding provision of utilities, transportation services or facilities that might affect land use in their local planning areas.  Islands Trust Policy Statement policy 5.3.2: It is Trust Council’s policy that no island in the Trust Area should be connected to Vancouver Island, the mainland or another island by a bridge or tunnel, notwithstanding the existing bridge between North and South Pender Islands.  Advocacy Policy 6.10.iii  Communications Policy 6.10.ii  Islands Trust Council’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan strategy 4.2: Advocate for sustainable, affordable and appropriate ferry service

In September 2014, UBCM delegates unanimously endorsed a resolution requesting that the Province of BC: Page 26 of 40 Islands Trust Request For Decision Page 4  Reverse its November 2013 decision, and restore service levels and ferry fares to 2013 levels.  Take a ‘pause’ or ‘time out’ to consider the results of this socio-economic impact analysis and commit to undertaking further socioeconomic impact analysis that will build on these findings.  Take action to recognize the coastal ferry system as an extension of the highway system and administer and fund it accordingly.  Work cooperatively with coastal communities and other interested parties on the development and implementation of a long-term strategy for the coastal ferry system, based on solid socioeconomic impact analysis, that will ensure the sustainability of coastal communities and the ferry service.

DESIRED OUTCOME: Sustainable, affordable and appropriate ferry services that support healthy island economies and diverse communities; and strategic use of staff, trustee and financial resources.

RESPONSE OPTIONS

Recommended:

1. That the Islands Trust Council Trust Council request that the provincial government provide sufficient funding to BC Ferries in 2016-2020 to reduce the fares on the minor routes by 25%.

2. That the Islands Trust Council Trust Council invite trustees wishing to act as advisors to staff, between May 19, 2015 and June 30, 2015 on an advocacy campaign regarding reduction in minor route ferry fares to contact the Policy Advisor.

Alternative:

1. Do not approve the recommended resolutions

Prepared By: Clare Frater, Policy Advisor

Reviewed By/Date: Lisa Gordon, Director, Trust Area Services, May 15, 2015

Page 27 of 40 Islands Trust Request For Decision Page 5 Trust Council Resolutions re BC Ferries (2005-2014) Meeting Resolution Resolution Statement Date Name June BC Ferries That the Islands Trust Council prioritize BC Ferries advocacy with a focus on: 2014 Advocacy 1. BC Ferries’ long-range plan (30 years); 2. Need for the Province to fund BC Ferries costs, including capital costs; at a level that will keep future fare increases in line with or lower than CPI, while meeting essential transportation needs of ferry dependent communities, and BC Ferries Commissioner’s pre-performance term four process. March BC Ferries That the Islands Trust Council request the Chair to write to the BC Ferry Commissioner 2013 Performance asking that he conduct a performance review of BC Ferries with respect to cost effective Review management including cost allocations to the non-major routes. Dec BC Ferries That the Islands Trust Council request the Chair to provide a submission to the BC 2013 Coastal Ferries Community Engagement expressing Council’s deep concern about the process by which ferry service reductions are being implemented, including:  Service cuts being imposed on top of fare increases above the rate of inflation that are expected to generate an additional $190 million this performance term;  Elimination of sailings that are crucial to ferry users’ employment , education and other core activities;  Absence of any analysis of socio-economic impacts of service reductions;  Lack of effective consultation with affected communities and of any consultation with local governments;  Inadequate provision of sufficient information, time and resources to identify alternative options;  Abandonment of the previous contractual requirement for BC Ferries to provide appropriate advance notice of schedules; and Lack of due regard for principles articulated in the Coastal Ferry Service contract, which states that “the coastal ferry service is integral to economic growth and development” and in the Coastal Ferry Act which provides for considering the interests of ferry users. June Supervision of That the Islands Trust Council direct the Chair to write to the appropriate government 2013 Young Children ministries outlining the importance of supporting families with children in the Islands Trust on BC Ferries to Area and encouraging funding for the supervision of young children using BC Ferries and from school Route 13 and the Langdale Ferry Terminal to get to and from school. Decemb Budget Session That Trust Programs Committee and Financial Planning Committee be requested to work er 2012 with staff to reframe the proposed BC Ferries project as a review and summary of available information and a gap analysis with respect to the role of ferry service in sustaining island character and healthy communities. Decemb Islands Trust That the Islands Trust Council endorse the following principles, to inform the Chair’s er 2012 Response to BC December 21 submission to the BC Coastal Ferries Consultation and Engagement process: Ferries 1. Ferries are lifelines for coastal communities and businesses; as highways are in Consultation the rest of the province. Businesses and families invested on the islands based on an expectation that the Province would sustain ferry services. Provincial government support for coastal ferry service is not a subsidy or a privilege. In a coastal province, affordable ferry service is as much of a necessity as affordable public transit or affordable highway systems. 2. Ever-increasing fares are hurting our residents and reducing ridership. Fares have risen dramatically over the last six years and are imposing significant hardship on ferry dependent communities. The Province should immediately provide sufficient funding to significantly reduce fares on the minor routes as island communities have been hard hit by substantial cumulative fare increases. 3. Islanders acknowledge the budget challenges facing the provincial government and are willing to help find innovative solutions. But, they are telling us that the current consultation framework and lack of information prevents them from contributing meaningfully on coastal ferry governance and service issues. 4. British Columbia’s prosperity depends on an integrated, accessible, and affordable transportation system that efficiently links all communities and businesses - whether separated by land or water. Increasing island property taxes to help fund BC Ferries is unjustifiable in light of the fact that ferry users’ fares already cover 85% of ferry operating costs; a much higher rate of fare box recovery than other BC transit systems. June Letter to BC That the Islands Trust Council request the Chair to send a letter to Transportation and 2011 Transportation Infrastructure Minister Lekstrom advocating for provincial support toPage stabilize 28 of BC 40 Ferries Minister re BC fares on minor routes, incorporating the principles outlined below. Ferries Fares (Principles in RFD: High fares erode BC Ferries’ customer base, and high fares affect business viability in ferry-dependant communities like the Gulf Islands. Islands Trust Council wants economic and social considerations taken into account when establishing fares and service levels for routes serving rural coastal communities. The Islands Trust is proposing that the Province should fund BC Ferries sufficiently to ensure that fares are affordable for individual ferry users and local economic development is supported.

1. Vancouver Island and coastal ferry-dependant communities are being affected by fare hikes imposed by the Coastal Ferry Act. Amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act are an essential part of the solution to the fare crisis. The Act needs to be changed so that major routes can subsidize minor routes.  Ferry fares have been allowed to increase at about four times the rate of inflation for the past eight years and now are a substantial barrier to social and economic survival of families and communities long established along our coast.  Ferry fares – the prepaid type used by every day island residents – have risen up to and in excess of 100% on several routes over the past eight years (the following fare hikes do NOT include the current 5% fuel surcharge): o Salt Spring from Swartz Bay and Crofton: pass 96%, veh 87% o Swartz Bay to SGI: pass 91%, veh 86% o Horseshoe Bay to Bowen: pass 101%, veh 95% o Nanaimo to Gabriola and Chemainus to Thetis: pass 112%, veh 104% o Buckley Bay to Denman and Denman to Hornby: pass 125%, veh 119%.  Fare increases beyond CPI are unacceptable.  There is strong evidence that the primary cause of decreased ridership is repeated fare increases that are 400% of inflation. Minor routes have lost 8% of vehicle traffic and 6% of passenger traffic, in a steady decline since 2005, and the trend continues today.  Tourist traffic is down, adding stress to communities counting on tourism to ease the transition from reliance on traditional resource extraction.  Small business has struggling under the weight of the cumulative effect of excessive fare increases.

2. More provincial funding is needed if the high ferry fare levels are to be addressed. The Province should contribute enough to set ferry fares at a level that will bring back the lost traffic and help restore the health of the once-vibrant rural coastal communities.  In November 2008 the Province generously allocated $20M, which allowed a 33% fare reduction in December 2008 and January 2009. The increased traffic results show that traffic will respond to lowering of fares, which is only possible through adequate government support.  Late in May 2011 the Province cut the 8.23% fare increase for 2012/13 in half to 4.15%, but the remaining three years remain to be determined. The Province has addressed the fare increases for one year, which we applaud. Now it needs to address the fundamental problem: the prohibitive ferry fare levels. Coastal communities need either fare cuts in the short term or fare freezes over the longer term.  Given that major service cuts are not an option, high fares can only be addressed by BC Ferries cost-reduction, development of profitable new revenue sources and increasing the provincial contribution.  The transportation fee provided to BC Ferries by the Province should be increased as part of a strategy to sustain the ferry system on a sound financial footing. This would enable BC Ferries to provide reasonably priced ferry service to ferry-dependent coastal communities, thereby supporting the social and economic well-being of those communities. ) 2009 Islands Trust WHEREAS the transportation services provided by BC Ferries on minor routes along the UBCM sponsored south coast are as essential for ferry dependent communities as the provincial road resolution on A network is for other communities, and are an integral element of provincialPage 29 t ofourism 40 goals, Minor Routes yet have been subject to fare increases of as much as 120% over the last five years; Strategy for AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs have, through Coastal Ferry extensive research and analysis, proposed a minor routes strategy that supports the Service sustainability of island economies and the coastal ferry service: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure work with coastal communities and BC Ferries to develop a strategy for the minor southern coastal ferry routes, as proposed by the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs. Sept. BC Ferries That Islands Trust Council request the Chair to write to Transportation Minister Kevin 2007 Falcon expressing Trust Council’s profound disappointment in the Minister’s decision to not adjust government funding to BC Ferries to keep ferry fare increases to tolerable levels, which will result in substantial socio-economic harm to our ferry-dependent communities, residents and local businesses. Sept. BC Ferries – That the Islands Trust Council endorse the general principles in Trustee Brian 2006 Discussion Hollingshead's Discussion Paper regarding BC Ferries dated August 20, 2006 and Paper request the Executive Committee to use it as a basis for a formal position document and advocacy plan. June Community That the Islands Trust Council request the Executive Committee to write a letter of 2006 Awareness of concern to the Minister of Transportation requesting that the Province assume a BC Ferries reasonable share of the forthcoming ferry fuel surcharge. Issues March Ferry Service That Islands Trust Council request the Chair to send a letter to the Minister of 2006 Fee Transportation, Kevin Falcon, advising him of Islands Trust Policy Statement 5.3.1and that Trust Council expects that the service fee paid by the Province for ferry service to the islands would be at least the same percentage operating costs as it is under the present base contract and that services level not be reduced and that copies of the letter be sent to the Premier, all Trust Area MLAs, Carol Taylor, Minister of Finance, Martin Crilly, BC Ferry Commissioner, David Hahn, President of BC Ferries, Trustees and posted on the Islands Trust website. Dec. Fuel Tax That Islands Trust Council request the Executive Committee to approach the Ministry of 2005 Surcharge Transportation to consider options to partially offset any fuel surcharge approved for the BC Ferries minor routes, such as seeking an increase in the government-contributed ‘service fee’. June BC Ferries Fee That Islands Trust Council request the Executive Committee to write to the BC Ferry 2005 Surcharge Commissioner with the following request: 1. That the Commissioner approve only enough to match proportion of fares versus service fee on minor routes; and 2. That the surcharge for overheight commercial vehicles be redistributed over the rest of fare-paying public and provincial service fee, as:  They pay disproportionate fees already  The extra costs load directly back on island residents – not visitors, weekenders, etc.  They are already being severely hit by fuel prices. That Islands Trust Council appoint Trustee Brian Hollingshead as its representative to present its position to the BC Ferry Commissioner re the proposed Fuel Tax Surcharge. March BC Ferries That the Islands Trust Council request the Executive Committee to ensure that its regular 2005 Communications annual meetings with the British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) management Program and Board members, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ferry Commissioner is held in preparation for the next performance term of the Coastal Ferry Service Contract and are used to discuss the maintenance of adequate service fees and service levels for ferry routes serving the islands in the Trust Area and to address other issues related to ferry service in the Trust Area.

Page 30 of 40 Islands Trust’s BC Ferries Advocacy since January 2014

Since January 2014, the Islands Trust Executive Committee and/or the Islands Trust Council Chair has advocated about BC Ferries in the following ways:

 On February 19, 2014, Islands Trust staff submitted a Freedom of Information request to BC Ferries for the attached Economic Impact Analysis report. This request was made in a research capacity to inform future advice about advocacy on BC Ferries issues.

 On February 21, 2014 the Vancouver Sun published an opinion editorial by the Islands Trust Chair (in collaboration with trustees, staff and community members): http://www.vancouversun.com/Opinion+Without+marine+transportation+sunk/9536072/s tory.html

 On March 11, 2014 Islands Trust Council Chair spoke at BC Ferries rally at the BC legislature.

 On April 23, 2014 Islands Trust Council Chair wrote to Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting a new report using current data that explains BC Ferries' economic role.

 March 14, 2014 Chair Sheila Malcolmson wrote to Gordon Macatee, BC Ferry Commissioner requesting a performance review of BC Ferries.

 On March 31, 2014 Islands Trust Council Chair wrote to the Premier of British Columbia outlining concerns about the BC government’s BC Ferries service cuts, fare hikes and infrastructure funding.

 On April 8, 2014, in response to the Islands Trust staff freedom of information request, BC Ferries released the Economic Impact Analysis report from 2000. Staff provided the report to Executive Committee members in advance of the Association of Vancouver Island and Costal Communities Convention which included a session about BC Ferries.

The 2000 study’s purpose was to analyze the economic impact of BC Ferries on the provincial economy and on the economies of the coastal communities it serves. Specific objectives of the project were to “develop a profile of the economies in coastal BC, to describe BC Ferries’ impact on these communities, to describe BC Ferries’ role in tourism and commercial trucking, and to forecast the economic outlook of BC Ferries' service areas.”

 On April 11, 2014, the Islands Trust Chair participated in a BC Ferries Special Plenary Session at the Association of Vancouver Island and Costal Communities Convention.

 On April 23, 2014 the Islands Trust Chair wrote to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to provide him with the BC Ferries Economic Analysis Report and to request that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure produce a new report using current data that explains BC Ferries’ economic role.

Page 31 of 40  Spring and Summer 2014 Trustee Law and Chair Malcolmson participated in the UBCM Special Committee on BC Ferries which guided development of the UBCM Policy Paper – Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of BC Ferries endorsed by the membership in 2015

 On September 19, 2014 the Islands Trust Chair wrote to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure expressing concern about a feasibility study for a bridge to Mudge and Gabriola Islands.

 At the September 2014 Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention , the Islands Trust Council Chair met with the Honourable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia in conjunction with the Coastal Regional District Chairs ferries group to discuss BC Ferries fares and service cuts. The Islands Trust Council Chair was one of three local government representatives to present at the meeting. Following this meeting, the Islands Trust Council Chair wrote to the Premier and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to thank them for the meeting and to request a meaningful, robust public consultation process in 2015 regarding future ferry fares and Provincial investment in the BC ferry system until 2020 or beyond.

 On October 3, 2014 the Islands Trust Chair wrote to the BC Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government regarding allocating sufficient funds for BC Ferries.

 On October 31, 2014 the Islands Trust Chair wrote to BC Premier Christy Clark and to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting a meaningful, robust public consultation process in 2015 regarding future ferry fares and Provincial investment in the BC ferry system until 2020 or beyond.

 On November 18, 2015 the Islands Trust Executive Committee voted to request the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC) Executive to host a plenary session at the AVICC 2015 Convention 2015 regarding BC Ferries.

 On November 28, 2014 the Islands Trust Chair wrote to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to provide the Islands Trust Submission to the BC On the Move 10- Year Transportation Plan Consultation.

 On February 16, 2015, the Islands Trust Chair and Coastal Regional District Chairs met with the BC Ferry Commissioner to discuss BC Ferries.

 On February 19, 2015, the Islands Trust Council Chair, the Gabriola Island trustees and staff met with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff to discuss the Gabriola Island Fixed Link Feasibility study.

 On March 5, 2015 the Islands Trust Chair and Coastal Regional District Chairs met with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss BC Ferries.

 On April 10, 2015, the Islands Trust Chair wrote to Michael Corrigan, President and CEO of BC Ferries to him to meet with the Islands Trust Council or Islands Trust Executive Committee.

Page 32 of 40 To: Mayor Skeels and Council From: Bowen Island Municipality Transportation Committee Date: June 16, 2015 Subject: Support for Islands Trust Request to Province to reduce ferry fares by 25%

Recommendation: That Council send a letter under the Mayor’s signature to Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure indicating Council’s support for the Province to invest an additional $11 to $14 million per year, for the next four years (PT4), to reduce ferry fares on all the minor routes by 25 percent; and That the letter be copied to Jordan Sturdy, MLA West Vancouver Sea to Sky.

Background: On June 11 the Islands Trust sent out the following notice: Islands Trust Council asks Province to reduce ferry fares on all minor routes

Hello,

Islands Trust Council has long advocated for affordable ferry fares.

Today, we launched a public campaign to ask the Province to invest $11 to $14 million per year, for the next four years, to reduce fares along minor routes by 25 per cent.

Now is the time because the Province and BC Ferries are currently negotiating a renewed Coastal Ferry Services Contract that will be in place for four years - from April 1, 2016 to April 1, 2020. You can read the June 11 news release here. (PDF)

Islands Trust hired an independent consultant to calculate the funding required to reduce the fares. You can read the consultant’s report here. (PDF)

You can do your part by contacting your local MLA, newspaper, ferry advocates and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. Let them know you support this request. It's a once-in-four-years opportunity.

Thank You

The islands Trust News Release is attached and the full Consultant’s report can be found at http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/319235/june2015farereductionreport.pdf

Page 33 of 40 Also attached is a draft letter to the Minister of Transportation

Once approved put onto BIM letterhead and date

The Honourable Todd Stone Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Dear Minister Stone, Re: BC Ferry fares The Council of Bowen Island Municipality has requested that I write to you to indicate Council’s support for the proposal that the Islands Trust has sent to you requesting that the Province invest an additional $11 to $14 million per year, for the next four years (PT4), to reduce ferry fares on all the minor routes by 25 percent. Council has also made a submission to the BC Ferry Commissioner in response to the BC Ferry Commissioner’s invitation to comment on The Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the Fourth Performance Term. A copy of our letter to the Commissioner and the submission is attached. As we indicated in our submission to the Commissioner we are pleased to see the preliminary price cap at 1.9%, close to the rate of inflation. However that the 1.9% will be added to an existing fare that has already reached the tipping point and is too high due to past fare increases well in excess of inflation. These high fares have had a financial impact on the Bowen commuters as well as our all our residents and the recent service reductions have had an impact on the quality of life for our residents.

Thank you for your consideration of the Islands Trust’s proposal which we hope the Province will agree to the request as it will be beneficial to the economies of the coastal communities and thus the Province as a whole.

Yours sincerely,

Mayor Murray Skeels Bowen island Municipality cc: Jordan Sturdy, MLA

Page 34 of 40

Page 35 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Hope Dallas Sent: June-23-15 1:11 PM To: Hope Dallas Subject: FW: Bulletin Boards

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: [email protected] Sent: June‐20‐15 3:55 PM To: BIMBC ‐ Transportation Advisory Committee Subject: Bulletin Boards

Hello!

About ten days ago I left my business card ( I an an art therapist on Bowen) with the snack bar on the ferry, along with a note asking that it be posted. Since then I see the board has new additions, but not mine. Did my card (in an envelope) figuratively slip through the cracks, or is there some procedure I am unaware of?

Thank you, Marty

Marty Levenson Registered art therapist 604‐928.xxxx

• sent by carrier pidgeon •

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Route T013‘ 22,740 1,494 215 20 450 12,592 7 «ac 24,926 46,216 2,306 2,036 20,532 673 4115 72,426 Page 38 of 40 Hope Dallas

From: Customer Relations Sent: June-03-15 4:58 PM To: Hope Dallas Subject: BC Ferries

Dear Mrs. Dallas,

Thank you for your e-mail of May 21, 2015 with a letter from the Bowen Municipality regarding BC Ferries support for Ride Share Location on the Queen of Capilano. Mr. Mike Corrigan, President & CEO of BC Ferries has reviewed the letter and asked that I respond to you on his behalf.

I have confirmed with the vessel that the sign is indeed in place and we are happy to support this initiative.

Sincerely,

Elke Kite Manager, Customer Relations, Customer Care British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. The Atrium Suite 500, 1321 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8W 0B7 T: 250-978-1185 C: 250-889-8594 F: 250-978-1240 [email protected] bcferries.com | Facebook | Twitter

Notice: This message, including any attachments, is confidential and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed unless expressly authorized otherwise by the sender. If you are not an authorized recipient, please notify the sender immediately and permanently destroy all copies of this message and any attachments.

1 Page 39 of 40 Excerpts from the Draft June 22, 2015 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

RES#15 -193 It was Moved and Seconded

That Council send a letter under the Mayor's signature to Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, indicating Council's support for the Province to invest an additional $11 to $14 million per year, for the next four years (PT4), to reduce ferry fares on all the minor routes by 25 percent; and

That the letter be copied to Jordan Sturdy, MLA West Vancouver Sea to Sky.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RES#15 - 194 It was Moved and Seconded

That Council endorse the submission in response to the BC Ferries Commissioner's invitation for comment on the Preliminary Decision on Price Caps and The Report on the Preliminary Price Cap Decision for the fourth Performance Term, and;

That staff be directed to forward the submission to the BC Ferry Commission, and;

That the submission be copied to Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; Jordan Study, MLA West Vancouver Sea to Sky; Mike Corrigan, President and CEO of BC Ferries.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Page 40 of 40