Electoral boundaries
John Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, told a Powell River Chamber of Commerce luncheon crowd on Wednesday he regrets that Powell River will no longer be part of the riding he represents after the 2015 election.
“We’re working hard on some really ambitious projects that could only come about because there’s great cooperation between municipal government and federal government and the provincial representative. That work won’t stop. I will be enthusiastically continuing representation of Powell River right up to the last minute.”
Building bridges and making sure that Powell River is secure economically has been one of Weston’s priorities throughout his term as MP for the riding. “I ...intend to ensure that ongoing initiatives that are in place now don’t get left behind. We can’t predict who will be the MP after 2015, but I am communicating with John Duncan to help ensure a smooth transition.”
Duncan currently represents the North Island riding.
A change to the electoral boundaries on the Sunshine Coast will see Powell River shift from West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country to Vancouver Island North-Comox-Powell River riding, despite objections from federal, provincial and local government elected officials.
BC Federal Boundaries Commission was aware of the historical links between Powell River and the Lower Sunshine Coast and acknowledged that any change of an existing district would likely occasion some level of disruption. However, the commission noted it was driven by “numerical considerations” and a need for easier access. Under the new boundary parameters only one ferry will stand between Powell River and the MP’s office instead of two.
“The decision to include Powell River in Vancouver Island North-Comox-Powell River should in no way diminish access between MP and constituents, but may actually enhance accessibility,” the commission’s report stated.
Ferry changes
As closures take effect at the Westview and Little River terminals BC Ferries has solidified its alternative travel service for customers.
Between Sunday, January 12, and Friday, February 7, both terminals will be closed for upgrades. During this time the Island Sky will leave Departure Bay in Nanaimo at 5 am and 6:35 pm, and Saltery Bay at 8:35 am and 10 pm. The crossing will take three hours.
Flight service is arranged Monday to Friday between Powell River airport at 8 am, and Comox airport at 5 pm, is provided with priority given to passengers with medical appointments. Reservations are required through 1.888.223.3779. This service is available during the first four weeks.
Between Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, March 9, ferry service will be rerouted between Little River and Saltery Bay, a crossing of two hours and 20 minutes. The Island Sky will leave Little River at 5:40 am, 2 pm and 7:40 pm, and Saltery Bay at 8:35 am, 5 pm and 10:20 pm. During this time, limited service is available from Texada Island’s Blubber Bay at 10:05 am to Little River and 8:50 pm to Saltery Bay, although travellers must reserve for this service by calling 1.888.223.3779.
Service between Powell River and Texada is also affected throughout the period from January 12 to March 9. The North Island Princess will leave Blubber Bay at 6 am, 2:15 pm and 7:25 pm and sail to Saltery Bay, a crossing of two hours and 15 minutes. It will leave Saltery Bay at 10 am, 4:50 pm and 10 pm.
Water taxi service is available between Westview and Texada Boat Club throughout the period. Crossing time is 20 minutes and a full schedule is available on BC Ferries’ website.
BC Transit will provide free shuttle service between Westview and Saltery Bay terminals, and between Shelter Point and Texada Boat Club. A full schedule is available at 604.485.4287.
