B.C. Ferries is currently reviewing security measures with all its operations.
It's a great idea and one that we applaud, but there are some flaws to the plan.
At the recent AGM for B.C. Ferries, CEO and president David Hahn raised the idea of security. Hahn is said to be concerned with security as a whole. One area apparently under scrutiny is the handling of baggage by B.C. Ferries' staff. The concern is what is being transported and whether passengers should be required to keep their bags at all times.
While we can see a slight concern, there has never been an issue with regards to baggage. We think B.C. Ferries is making a mountain out of a molehill and creating an issue.
Hahn went on to note that B.C. Ferries might look into the notion of locking down the Horseshoe Bay terminal. This would mean that once passengers paid for their tickets, they would be forced to sit in their cars waiting for the next ferry.
It would mean no one could get out and walk down to Horseshoe Bay and browse in the shops, take a stroll along the water or grab a bite to eat. The idea is ludicrous.
Imagine being a business owner in Horseshoe Bay. You rely on tourism traffic to survive. Ferry traffic is a huge part of that tourism traffic. If this idea is implemented, it could potentially cripple many businesses.
B.C. Ferries stressed to us this week that no firm recommendations on this proposal have yet been made. B.C. Ferries also said that consultation with Horseshoe Bay community stakeholders and ferry users would also take place before any decisions are made.
From our perspective, no discussion is needed. Scrap the idea now.
Looking into security is a fine idea, but locking up ferry travellers like rats in a cage is not the answer.
