Lasqueti Trust Committee agenda package, etc. Lasqueti ferry

The agenda package for the Lasqueti Trust Committee meeting Thursday, March 27, beginning 11am at the Arts Centre, is available at

http://islandstrust.bc.ca/media/254537/01_la-ltc-agd-pkg-2014-02-27.pdf  

It's 38 pages, and printed copies will be placed at the community hall, post office, MaryJane's, Lasqueti Hotel and (if there is space for it) on the ferry.

       
The schedule and agenda outline for the Trust Council meeting to be held March 4 - 6 on Hornby Island is available at 

http://islandstrust.bc.ca/media/254982/schedule_and_agenda.pdf

I'll let you know when the full agenda package is posted.

Trust Council chair Sheila Malcolmson published an "op-ed" article in the Vancouver Sun, titled "Without marine transportation, we're all sunk.  With coastal ferries, we're all in the same boat"

http://www.vancouversun.com/Opinion+Without+marine+transportation+sunk/9536072/story.html

Lasqueti ferry

I had several email exchanges in September and October of 2012 with Elgin McKillop, the head of Western Pacific Marine, about a major refit of Centurion VII, which would take at least a couple of weeks. I gave him several ways of informing Lasqueti residents and visitors about when the refit would be scheduled, including through the Lasqueti email list and Our Isle & Times, or through me.

As you have probably heard, there is a smaller but faster vessel in service now, for at least a couple of weeks, and maybe a couple of months. I hear that the vessel is much smaller, and that there is limited and less convenient space for our luggage, groceries and belongings. As far as I know, nobody knew about this change. 

Western Pacific Marine should have, as a matter of good public relations, given us notice of the change. That they did not shows that they don't care, and are not trying to be cooperative and work with our community and their customers/clients/passengers. We still have service, and we'll all still be able to get back and forth, but it doesn't foster a good relationship between the company and the community.

Please remember that the ferry crew are not responsible for giving us notice, or making the change. They are doing their best, and I think are serving us well. WPM management, not so well!