Letter Minister Trevena re: BC Ferries planning

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January 21, 2020 File Number: 0400-20 
 
Via Email: Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca 
 
The Honourable Claire Trevena 
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure  
PO Box 9055 
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 
 
Dear Minister: 
 
Re: BC Ferries planning – active transportation and electrification 
 
I am writing of behalf of the Islands Trust Council to request that the Province of BC’s direction for planning for 
BC Ferries integrate British Columbia’s Active Transportation Strategy and ferry electrification. In March 2019, 
the Islands Trust Council declared a climate emergency. We are eager to work with local communities, First 
Nations, partner agencies, and other levels of government to pursue an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas 
emissions in this very special region. An integral part of this work is ensuring that broad climate-related policies 
are implemented in a manner that is practical and effective for island communities and visitors.  
 
The Islands Trust Council supports the initiatives and vision outlined in the Active Transportation Strategy and 
the progress to date towards the electrification of BC Ferries’ fleet.  Regardless, concerns remain that many of 
the active and cleaner transportation options advanced in the Strategy are not viable or convenient options for 
ferry-dependent communities.  
 
The Strategy states that British Columbia should have an integrated, safe and accessible active transportation 
system that works for everyone. We agree and believe BC Ferries has a key role to play on the coast in realizing 
this vision. Islands Trust trustees hear frequent concerns that there is a lack of coordination between ferry 
arrival/departure times and public bus arrival/departure times. This can add considerable delays to island 
residents’ travel plans and often results in residents choosing to drive cars rather that use public transportation.  
We also commonly hear concerns about BC Ferries failing to provide sufficient bicycle storage facilities at 
terminal hubs. We encourage BC Ferries to continue its dialogue with cycling groups to better inform future 
vessel and terminal design. 
 
We are very appreciative of the existing senior government funding that helps provide ferry service to our 
constituents. However, electrification of the ferry fleet will require further investment, as well as removing 
regulatory and contractual barriers that may inhibit BC Ferries and BC Hydro from proceeding with fleet 
electrification. The Ministry and BC Ferries should consider working jointly on possible fast-track solutions for 
electric ferries, particularly the ro

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