To the Editor,
Re: Ferry operator has concerns about fairness, Nov. 15.
I was a user of the previous downtown-to-downtown foot passenger ferry service HarbourLynx until it shut down in 2006, and I was looking forward to having a similar service in place.
Therefore I was quite disturbed to read of continued disruption, delay, and alleged illegalities in getting this service underway. My understanding is that the original proponent Island Ferry Services had a lease in place for a terminal as well as a memorandum of understanding with the city. Yet shortly after the company advised the city last year that it had funding in place and could start service in about six months, the city began a competition and formed a technical advisory group to entertain and study proposals from two other operators, and to date there still has been no final decision.
I am very concerned that ongoing delays on the part of the city will mean that Nanaimo will not get another foot-passenger ferry service. One of the operators has backed out and I fear it won’t be long before the remaining two companies decide to invest their money and resources in communities that are more willing to do business with them.
L. LeeNanaimo