January 19, 2018 VIA E-MAIL: [email protected]

Bowinn Ma, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink 5 – 221 West Esplanade North BC V7M 3J3

Dear MLA Ma,

Re: Follow-up to meeting with Minister Robinson on December 19, 2017

We are writing to follow up on a meeting we had with the Honourable on December 19th, 2017 where we discussed both affordable housing and transit challenges for Bowen Island. The Minister suggested we follow up with yourself in regards to inclusion of Bowen Island in future transit planning for the North Shore.

Background

Bowen Island is the only island municipality in the province. It is part of the Islands Trust and a member municipality of Metro Vancouver Regional District. It is in Howe Sound and a 20-minute sail via BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay; our transportation gateway to the wider Metro Vancouver region.

Our island location can result in unique challenges especially when it comes to transit planning and coordination with off island transportation. Key facts about Bowen Island:

• According to the 2016 Census, our year-round population is 3,680, an 8.2% growth since the 2011 Census. In the summer, our population increases to over 5,000. In the prior five-year period, population growth was only 1.2%. • 60% of our commuting workforce travels off island and face some of the longest and most expensive commutes in Metro Vancouver. 40% of these commutes are 60 min and over. • 21% of our commuter’s main mode of travel is public transit (Vancouver CMA is 20%). • 88% of the total GHG emissions on Bowen Island are from transportation (12% of total emissions from on-island transportation, 45% from commuters in private vehicles off-island, and 31% for emissions from ferries). • 68% of Islanders responded recently in an island municipal survey that if alternative modes of transportation were more seamless and easier to use they would be more likely to reduce use of their private vehicle. • The Municipality’s draft Integrated Transportation Plan highlights the need to improve transit connections at Horseshoe Bay that allows for seamless integration of services between BC Ferries and TransLink and improving connections to downtown Vancouver and the North Shore.

Horseshoe Bay Terminal redevelopment

In December 2017, BC Ferries announced that they will start the public consultation phase in January 2018 for a planned $250-million redevelopment project for Horseshoe Bay Terminal, with the expectation of building within the next three to five years. The present terminal is at capacity, and structural changes are required to make the facility more efficient and seismically safe.

One of the main goals for this project is to plan for a terminal that will be serviceable well into the future and that will incorporate improved integrated transportation options, especially public transit. Transit improvements for Horseshoe Bay have remained a low priority for TransLink and there are no planned transit improvements as part of the Phase 2 Mayors’ Council 10-year vision.

Feedback from a recent BC Ferries public consultation in relation to Bowen Island showed that a top concern for Bowen Island passengers was scheduling of commuter runs and the need for improved coordination of transit at the terminal.

Horseshoe Bay Terminal is one of BC Ferries’ busiest terminals, serving Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Bowen Island, with thousands of passengers passing through the terminal every day and ridership at a record high.

Transit service at Horseshoe Bay not only helps our residents get to work, school, and medical appointments but also brings valued tourists to our coastal community; it is also vital in supporting affordable, resilient and thriving ferry-dependent communities like Bowen Island.

In conclusion, we would like to ask that Bowen Island Municipality and BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay) be included in any future planning for the North Shore. In addition, we would request Horseshoe Bay Terminal be recognized as a regional transit hub as it connects the communities of Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky Corridor.

Sincerely,

Councillor Melanie Mason On behalf of Mayor Murray Skeels Bowen Island Municipality cc: Bowen Island Municipal Council Pamela Goldsmith Jones, MP, – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country Honourable , Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure , MLA, West Vancouver – Sea to Sky , MLA, - Seymour Mayor Richard Walton, District of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Musatto, City of North Vancouver Mayor Michael Smith, District of West Vancouver Mark Collins, CEO, BC Ferries David Hendry, Director Strategic Planning, BC Ferries

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Additional information

Bowen Island Community Profile (2016 Census): http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census- recensement/2016/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5915062&Geo2=CD&Code2=5915&Data=Count& SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1

Bowen Island Community Profile (municipal): https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/101486/BIM-CommuntyPages-2016-v4- web.pdf?handle=903BA80AB7064BACA733B696C2EF1F7A

Bowen Island Transportation Plan Project: http://www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/integrated-transportation-master-plan-project

Island Plan 2017 (strategic plan): https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/124040/Island%20Plan%202017-vFINAL-WEB- opt.pdf?handle=8A59332993CC470BBD068FA6FB0BF3AA

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