Ramped up security measures by B.C. Ferries in accordance with new Transport Canada regulations mean islanders who use the Langdale float will have to find somewhere else to come ashore.
Although the Stormaway, the foot passenger ferry that brings islanders to Langdale, has a service contract with B.C. Ferries to use the float, all other vessels will be turned away.
Joyce Clegg, Gambier-Keats Ferry Advisory Committee member, said private boats have been using the float since the beginning of time. "People are going to be beating the drums because they are going to be so mad," Clegg said.
"The Marine Security Contribution Program is one important element of a layered approach to marine security," added Eric Collard, media relations officer for Transport Canada. "The federal government has committed more than $1 billion to marine security response, safeguarding and other initiatives."
Deborah Marshall, spokeswoman for B.C. Ferries, said the restriction on the dock will happen some time in 2009. She said when Transport Canada gives B.C. Ferries the date, they will alert the public.
"It's a courtesy we've been extending for years," Marshall said about water taxis, work boats and private vessels that have been using the dock to drop off people or pick them up from the ferry. "We are willing to work with the community to make an alternative. We are certainly going to let the public know well in advance."
Marshall said liability issues have been a problem in the past and as the float is on private property, raising security measures will cut down on the number of problems that occur. Marshall said B.C. Ferries has not "thought that far ahead" about what to do if boaters ignore the new regulations, but hoped people will respect the new rules.
"Specific measures for each situation are developed by operators according to risk and unique operating circumstances," added Collard. "Applicants provide details of their proposed upgrades and Transport Canada provides funding as it deems fit."
Clegg said options for an alternate float are few.
She said Hopkins Landing is available, but there is no parking lot. This could mean, for instance, summer camp children with all their gear and islanders who often have bags of groceries and trolleys with large bins on them, would have to walk up to the road and then down the highway to get to the ferry terminal or bus stop, she said.
