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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • Thursday, December 5, 2013
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Denman, Hornby ferry fares up 304 per cent Renee Andor Record Staff
Denman and Hornby islands’ ferry fares have increased by more than 300 per cent in the past 10 years, the highest percentage increase of all BC Ferries routes. The British Columbia Coastal Transportation Society (BCCTS) released Saturday a compilation of fare increases from 2003 to 2013 on BC Ferries’ major, minor and northern routes. The Denman and Hornby islands routes topped the list, with an increase from $10.17 for a return ticket for a vehicle and two adults in 2003 to $41.05 for the same by 2013, a 304-percent increase. A one-way ticket on the Comox to Powell River route cost $30.78 in 2003 for a vehicle and two adults, and rose to $73.35 by 2013, a 138-per-cent increase. BCCTS vice-president Jackie Miller — who is past president of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union and started working for BC Ferries in 1973 — says the BCCTS compiled BC Ferries and Ferry Advisory
Committee data to make it easy for the public to see how much fares have increased in 10 years. “We think it’s a pretty shocking fare increase,” she says, noting ferry users can become complacent when fares are increased bit by bit over the years and one
I find it really ❝ interesting the level
of complacency that is out there right now, so we wanted to do something to stimulate discussion about how incredible the fare increases have become.
❞Jackie Miller
of the society’s goals is to break through that complacency. “I find it really interesting the level of complacency that is out there right now, so we wanted to do something to stimulate discussion about how incredible the fare increases have become,” Miller continues. “At some point people
say enough is enough and I think that we’re seeing some of that reaction on the coast.” According to the fare increase chart, which can be viewed on http://bccoastaltransportation.ca, fares on other routes have seen high percentage increases in the past 10 years, too. Fares on the Campbell River to Quadra Island route have risen 290 per cent, the second-highest increase listed. Nanaimo to Gabriola fares have risen 267 per cent, Texada to Powell River fares have increased 235 per cent and Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay fares have risen 241 per cent. Fares on the major routes from the mainland to Vancouver Island have increased 51.6 per cent. Fares on the long northern trip from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert have increased 165 per cent. The percentage of service reductions to minor and northern routes slated to come into effect in April are also listed next to each route’s fare increase. Ferry fares are set to rise four per cent next year. writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
AS TOTALLED BY the B.C. Coastal Transportation Society, BC Ferries fares for Denman and Hornby islands have risen more than anywhere else.
Lifesaving award to man who saved drowning woman Lee Murray rescued woman caught in fast-flowing Puntledge
A local man received the St. John Ambulance LifeSaving Award after rescuing a woman earlier this year from the fast-flowing waters of the Puntledge River in Courtenay. On July 23, Lee Murray was enjoying a summer day with his two young children when he heard cries for help. A 60-year-old woman
Wishing the Comox Valley A Very...
was tubing down the river with a friend when she hit a log and was knocked under the water. She did not know how to swim, and she also had a long line of rope attached to her that caught at the bottom of the river. The rope was choking her while also pulling her under. Murray dove under the water and fought hard to free the rope. He then brought the woman to shore, where CPR was performed until paramedics arrived. The woman was immediately airlifted to Victoria General Hospital from St.
Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox. She has since recovered from her injuries. “Mr. Murray’s calm demeanour and quick action most definitely helped save this woman’s life. People like Lee help make our community a better place,” said Insp. Blair McDonald of the Comox Valley RCMP. The Comox Valley RCMP nominated Murray for the award, which was quickly approved. Presentation of the award was made at a small ceremony in Courtenay on Dec. 2. — Comox Valley RCMP
JAMI HARRIS OF St. John Ambulance, Ben Douglas of St. John, Lee Murray and his children, Norm Potvin of St. John and Insp. Blair McDonald of the Comox Valley RCMP celebrate a lifesaving award for Murray.
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