Editor:
In the July 22 edition of Coast Reporter, SCRD chair Garry Nohr stated that a nice letter should be sent to BC Ferries (BCF) for the $300,000 they spent for youth on the Sunshine Coast.
Youth in most ferry-dependent communities enjoy free travel for school-based outings. However, there is not similar provincial support for Sunshine Coast youth to travel on Route 3. This issue became a concern for residents and the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) several years ago, and in particular Jakob Knaus, a Wilson Creek resident and (now) former member of the FAC. He advocated for equal support of youth, with no success.
In 2010 at a public meeting in Gibsons (over 350 people in attendance), Knaus asked whether the attendees would be prepared to help support our young families for school-based outings. The proposal was to have BC Ferries surcharge all fares on Route 3 by one-quarter per cent to generate the funds needed to finance youth travel – the response at the meeting was a unanimous “yes.” The FAC, with the help of Coast Reporter, also conducted a vote, and readers were equally supportive.
After some tough negotiations with BCF, the proposal was introduced in the year 2010-11.
Since the beginning of this program, the one-half per cent fares collected by BCF have been greater than what was actually spent, so the program has also been extended to junior sports teams, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and Sea Cadets.
It must be reiterated that the ferry users on Route 3 pay for this venture that supports Coastal youth (and their families). The individual who deserves thanks for his tireless work to make this program happen is Jakob Knaus.
Diana Mumford, chair on behalf of the Southern S.C. Ferry Advisory Committee
