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November 25, 2024
A new partnership process to enhance the future of ferry system engagement
VICTORIA, BC - BC Ferries is entering a new era of engagement aimed at strengthening relationships with coastal communities, enhancing customer trust, and meeting the public interest. BC Ferries is launching a process to design a new engagement model that better addresses the evolving needs of growing coastal communities, reflecting the importance of more effectively incorporating digital engagement.
“A lot has changed in the last 30 plus years since the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) model was first created, and it’s time for us to have a look at our broader engagement process to make sure that it’s accessible, inclusive, and representative of a broad range of input,” shares Morningstar Pinto, Executive Director of External Engagement.
BC Ferries will collaborate with FACs, community residents, local governments and MLAs, First Nations, and other interested and impacted groups to create a more inclusive and responsive engagement model, which will replace the FACs and be in place starting in May 2025.
“As the FAC model winds down, it’s important to recognize the volunteerism and dedication of past and present committee members. Their contributions have made our system better, and their insights on what worked and what can be improved will help contribute to a more modern process,” says Pinto.
"I am extremely encouraged that BC Ferries is listening to ferry-dependent communities that their public engagement processes need a restart,” said Gibsons Mayor Silas White. “Our residents have spoken through lack of attendance and confidence at recent public Ferry Advisory Committee meetings. Our community agrees it is time for a more inclusive and dynamic approach, and we look forward to working with BC Ferries to develop a process that targets a broad and democratic representation of voices, and most importantly, delivers results.”
In response to feedback from the public, local governments and First Nations—as well as customer survey results where over 80% of respondents indicated a preference for more digital engagement options—BC Ferries aims to implement new engagement structures and processes to reach and hear from a broader audience. Digital tools, including real-time surveys, interactive feedback portals, and virtual forums, will enable wider participation from anywhere, at any time.
“Replacing this outdated model with a more inclusive process is a welcome step toward building stronger community relationships and enabling better-informed, community-driven decisions,” said Klahoose Nation Chief Steven Brown.
It’s expected the new model will both maintain in-person outreach and include digital-first opportunities to strengthen the inclusivity, depth and authenticity of the engagement work. In the meantime, project-specific engagements will continue as normal.
"Our goal with this new model will be to enable and amplify a diverse range of voices to better ensure the people who live in and represent the communities we serve can play an active role in helping inform decisions about the services they receive,” said Pinto.
Starting early in the new year, BC Ferries will ensure accessible opportunities for many voices to be heard and actively shape the future of ferry engagement, including through community forums, terminal and on-board pop-ups, interest holder meetings, and attendance at local events.
"After over 30 years of the same process, it’s clear that Ferry Advisory Committees aren’t the model to adequately tackle the big issues we’re facing,” said Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard. “We need a modern engagement process that balances our residents’ needs with the big financial and operational challenges BC Ferries is facing."
For more information and to stay up to date, please visit https://www.bcferries.com/in-the-community.
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