BC Ferries has informed the Gabriola FAC that they are postponing the major work on the Route 19 terminals in Nanaimo and on Gabriola. This is partly due to funding constraints and partly because they have not been able to reach an agreement with the Snuneymuxw First Nation concerning the work to be done on Gabriola.
According to BC Ferries, the only work being planned now is minimal upgrades to the berths at both ends of the routes that will make them suitable for the Island 47 vessels that will be arriving here in he spring. There will be no changes to the locations of the berths at this time. Nanaimo berth may get a foot-passenger ramp as part of this process, but the Gabriola terminal will not.
All other terminal work on both sides is on hold for now. BC Ferries will resume discussions with the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and after that they will re-submit a proposal to Islands Trust for the rest of the terminal work.
The FAC will keep the community informed if and when we receive further details.
We all I believe realize that the Snuneymuxw traditionally were the original people around the Nanaimo area but ( Please don’t kill me I only ask a question) how is it that they are holding up the long overdue upgrade of the Gabriela ferry terminal ?