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Date Posted: 22:58:48 03/29/07 Thu
Author: Dupree
Subject: Ferry Solutions & the Future

I believe that the perceived problems of the present Cortes ferry system may not be problems at all. We hear over and over about overloads and lineups as well as the rising price of a ferry ticket. Everyone keeps pushing for bigger boats, lower prices and an extended schedule. Won't all three of those things help to destroy this island ? The present situation is frustrating I'll admit but to think of it another way it's that frustration which is intolerable for many potential newcomers who are considering buying property on Cortes. Is that not a good thing ?
If we make it easier and cheaper to commute from Cortes we will be faced with a population boom and increased development. I think that part of the solution to maintaining the Cortes character and lifestyle would be to somehow distinguish between Cortes residents and all other visitors. Those who live here (over 1 year) should get one free ferry ticket per month since the ferry system IS our highway system. For all others the cost of a trip should increase (not decrease) to lessen the amount of subsidy on the route. Subsidize the residents, not the route itself. Why should this route be subsidized for foreigners, Hollyhockers and other visitors ? No reason that I can fathom. Most of them will not mind paying the extra fare and can afford to. Anyone else who feels they simply must leave Cortes more than once every month (except people with doctor's appointments) would have to pay extra for the priveledge. Those who can limit themselves to one trip per month would save lots of money and the bottom line is that we won't need a bigger ship, expanded schedule or reservations..
I know the chances of such a system being implimented by David Hahn are slim but who knows ?! If the visitors and tourists subsidized the locals I doubt that he would care. The present system will eventually lead to Cortes going the way of Saltspring and other southern gulf islands where only the rich can afford to live. The original settlers of Cortes were rugged individualists and independent through neccesity. The character of Cortes will be lost if we don't keep at least a bit of this ethic.

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