Groups fighting proposed cuts to BC Ferries are coming together, ahead of major protests planned for the Sunshine Coast, Powell River and Gabriola Island.
They’re calling themselves the “BC Coastal-Mainland Alliance” and they include the Sunshine Coast based BC Ferry Coalition, which is organizing the January 18th protests.
Kathy Ramsey is one of several Gabriola Islanders involved in the Alliance.
Ramsey says Gabriolans are planning to protest on the 18th, and they also have some other action planned, including a mass appeal of property assessments.  On the 17th, the day new fuel surcharges kick-in, the Gabriola Island Ratepayers Association is going to be helping people draft those appeals. Ramsey says the cuts will mean a significant drop in property values.
In a statement signed by more than 20 people, including BC Green Party interim leader Adam Olsen, the mayor of Powell River, and the West Chilcotin Tourism Association the Alliance calls for, among other things, halting the planned cuts and a “meaningful dialogue”  between the province and ferry dependent communities.
