B.C. Ferries needs better service, not prettier terminals
Re: B.C. Ferries starts online consultations on Horseshoe Bay’s future, May 13
B.C. Ferries has launched an online engagement to get a sense of what people would like to see for the future of the terminal. It is asking what kinds of pictures should be put up, how much integration is wanted with the village, what historical information would be of interest, etc.
I have a news flash for B.C. Ferries: People go to the ferry terminal to get to a specific destination — Bowen Island, Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast.
They don’t go there to wait four hours because the ferries are overloaded or running late. If there is money to be spent, they would better please travellers using the ferries by improving the services and getting them to their destinations in a timely manner.
This week alone, every day they have been in overload situations with two- or three-sailing waits, as well as running late. BC Ferries should focus on servicing those who are using the ferries and forget about pretty pictures or playgrounds.
Colleen Record, Sechelt
Fossil fuel’s days numbered
You don’t have to be an economist to see that the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion is a bad investment — you just have to listen to what economists are saying.
Some of the world’s largest multinational oil corporations have sold off their Alberta holdings in recent years, recognizing that the oilsands cannot compete in a low-carbon future.
Renewable energy is expected to be cost competitive with fossil fuels by 2020, thereby completely reshaping the energy sphere and driving high-cost, high-carbon sources of energy such as the oilsands out of business.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should read the writing on the wall, and rather than squander tax money on doomed fossil fuel infrastructure, commit to a managed phase out of the oilsands in combination with major investments in green jobs and a just transition for oilsands workers.
Mike Ward, Duncan
Driving laws inconsistent
Re: Family of cyclist who was struck and killed in a collision with a vehicle unhappy with court ruling, May 16
The driver found to be responsible for the death of cyclist Bradley Dean and seriously injuring two others because he wasn’t paying attention received a fine of $1,800 and a one-year year driving suspension. By comparison, someone driving perfectly well who blows a .08 (or less) at a random check point, has their life turned upside down and could face more serious consequences than $1,800 in fines. Add testing for pot to the mix and the circus will be in full swing. Every citation for driving while high will be fought by greedy lawyers.
Many factors determine a person’s ability to drive safely: age, experience, road conditions, weather, speed, drugs, alcohol, personal distractions, etc.
We should severely punish actions that cause damage, injuries and death, but stop punishing what might happen. I’d like to safely drive home after having two beer at dinner, instead of having one eye in the rearview mirror and my head on a swivel looking for cops, while feeling like a criminal.
Lance Frohlick, Richmond
Money-laundering mansions
Re: Richmond set to consider more limits on farmland mansions, March 25
Ten-thousand-square-foot palatial farmhouses complete with swimming pools? Money laundering is alive and well in Richmond.
Brian Barnes, Steveston