Editor:
The following is an edited version of a letter sent to the Sechelt and Gibsons mayors, MLA Nicholas Simons, the Harbour Air CEO and shared with Coast Reporter.
I am writing to discuss the situation of Harbour Air’s recent plan to seriously cut flight offerings from Sechelt. This is a critical lifeline for your constituents and I am hard pressed to understand how no one seems to be stepping up to advocate for preservation of services.
Harbour Air service is vitally important to Sunshine Coast residents for the following reasons: medical transport for appointments and treatments, connection to the airport, smooth operation of businesses who require flights for transactions and meetings, movement of materials necessary for individuals and businesses, a reasonable alternative to ferry services which are not optimal, connection for families and friends, tourism connections, employment during a time of rising unemployment rates.
A co-ordinated effort from our local representatives could perhaps provide incentives and considerations for Harbour Air that would help to preserve some kind of reasonable service for your voting public.
Alternatives to Harbour Air simply do not exist. The pressure on ferries remains constant, causing users undue delay and frustration. The summer schedule has now ended, leaving restricted access the remainder of the year. The loss of Harbour Air’s current level of service can only make the ferry situation worse. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to not use the ferry, depending on circumstances. Sunshine Coast Air does not have the infrastructure of Harbour Air and their flight offerings are already very limited.
I am urgently requesting that our elected officials play a role in trying to mitigate the loss of Harbour Air’s previous excellent and pleasant service. This is a crucial link for not only for your voters, but also for businesses and tourists on the Sunshine Coast.
Janice White
Sechelt
