The August Report of the Committee will briefly summarize the ongoing and unresolved issues outlined in the extensive July edition on a multitude of ferry related issues.

1. Protection of current ferry schedule-

The Committee has yet to hear back from Transportation Department officials as to whether they have abandoned any plans to reduce the Bell Island ferry schedule. While the year round 2 vessel ferry service is protected, the Committee is concerned over suggestions that the hours of service for both vessels are under consideration for possible reduction.
The Committee seeks your support to ensure that the ferry schedule is not cutback thus ensuring continued future growth for Bell Island's economy and continued support for our commuting workforce and those dependent on the ferry service.

2. Cabinet decision on new vessel construction program:(replace Hamilton Sound)

The Committee is still awaiting word from Transportation Minister Rideout's on his commitment to present a ferry vessel replacement program before Cabinet for consideration this summer. The Hamilton Sound which sails several months on the Bell Island service as a replacement is long overdue for replacement by a hoped for new 28 car ferry.

Continuing breakdowns of the Beaumont Hamel since returning from an extensive 3 month refit continue to be a concern.

3. Cabinet consideration of strike free status for ferry services and designation of ferries as part of the Provincial highway system.

Our Member Minister Whalen has committed to use her best efforts to secure Cabinet support to achieve strike free status for Provincial ferries so as to avoid the a repeat of the April 2004 striking of the ferry service.

4. Provincial Ferry Coalition awaits Minister's meeting:

The newly formed Provincial Ferry Committee is still awaiting Minister Rideout's agreement to meet with the Executive of this newly formed Committee. Mayor Gosine is the Bell Island executive member and the Committee is anxious to have a number of concerns addressed on ferry rates, vessel adequacy, improved scheduling etc.

5. Electronic signage activation remains a mystery and an embarrassment for Government?

6. The Committee employed under Government grants 6 students this summer to promote the ferry service. A users survey was carried out as well and various usage stats were compiled and will be released later.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

A. The Committee executive is hoping to schedule a meeting in September to address ongoing issues and welcomes your input and attendance. Please contact any of the following members with suggestions and concerns ( Chairperson David Brazil, Mayor Gosine. Dr. Laurie. Officer Boyd Merrill, Keith Kent, Tony Power, and consultant Ed Kent.

B. Ferry users are invited to contact Minister Whalen's and Minister Rideout's Office to express your views on the ferry service and ferry issues and to support the efforts of the Committee.

C. As the ferry service is the foundation of Bell Island's economy, the public are invited to offer suggestions to the Committee and your MHA on growing Bell Island's economy and supporting justification for improved ferry service and including views and suggestions on :

- consideration of a possible coordinating body to oversee further tourism development and new opportunities,
- views on Minister Whalen's planned new focus and possible enriched new advisory body to promote economic development and job opportunities,
- possibilities for new mining exploration and development on Bell Island in light of recent Government public proposal call seeking expressions of interest.

D. The Bell Island web site operated by Reg Durdle includes many interesting sections and news and the Bell Island Users Committee section on the web site is recommended to keep abreast of the news. www.bellisland.net

Ferry users are encouraged to provide feedback and support to the Committee and your MHA Minister Whalen and be active in promoting and growing the ferry service and in turn grow Bell Island and ensure a better future for all.

Contributor:
Ed Kent- Committee consultant