Whether they take it as the sign of a sea change or an election year, Haida Gwaii leaders are welcoming news of more ferry sailings.
Starting this spring, one new sailing will run every second week between Skidegate Landing and Prince Rupert.
The biweekly sailing will take effect from mid-September to mid-June, and will be supported by a fare increase that is still being negotiated between BC Ferries and the provincial government.
B.C. Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced the new sailings last Monday together with Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ outgoing president and CEO (Mark Collins, former vice president of engineering, will take over from Corrigan in April).
“The substantial growth in traffic on this route is good news for the regional economy, and travellers will benefit from the additional scheduled trips,” said Stone.
Over the last two years, the number of vehicles ferried between Haida Gwaii and the mainland rose 15 per cent, compared with an average five-per cent rise across the province.
Queen Charlotte Mayor Greg Martin said islands leaders have been doing all they can to make a business case for added sailings, and the numbers back them up.
“We made the case, supported it with traffic volume data and most importantly, had the support of Skidegate, Old Massett, the North Coast Regional District and all island communities,” he said.
“I’ve seen a real sea change the last few years with BC Ferries management — they listen and respond!”
Off-peak sailings to and from Prince Rupert were cut from three to two per week in 2014, part of a province-wide round of ferry service cuts.
In 2012, BC Ferries said the Prince Rupert-Skidegate route was running a shortfall of $24.2 million a year, or $1,802 per vehicle.
But with a steady rise in traffic volume, plus a compromise pitch from islands leaders for 2.5 sailings a week rather than three, BC Ferries is moving towards restoring service.
“It’s something the islands have been calling for for many years that has fallen on deaf years,” said Masset Mayor Andrew Merilees.
“There’s certainly a business case for it, but we’ve known that for at least the last year or two.”
For islands residents, Merilees said one big reason for added sailings is easier, less costly access to off-island medical appointments, not to mention more visits with friends and family on the mainland.
More frequent sailings will go some way to speeding up mail delivery, he added, not to mention shipments to islands grocery stores and other retailers.
“It’s long overdue, and it’s a positive development for the people living on Haida Gwaii,” said Merilees, adding that he believes there is a case for full restoration down the road.
Ken Rea, chief councillor of Old Masset, agrees.
“It’s about time,” he said.
“For me it’s a no-brainer. The social and economic impacts are profound, really.”