BC Ferries has been engaged in public consultation with ferry dependent communities since 1993.

The FAC is a volunteer committee.

The Gabriola Ferry Advisory Committee acts as a liaison between islanders and BC Ferries.

The FAC does not work for the ferry corporation; we are local island people trying to protect and improve our marine link to Vancouver Island. Our aim is to advocate for reliable, efficient, and economical ferry service. We provide a conduit for islanders to raise issues with BC Ferries, and for information to be shared between BC Ferries’ management and island residents on day-to-day ferry operations, planned improvements to terminals, and broader policy issues.

Thirteen Ferry Advisory Committees represent the communities served by BC Ferries. Committees are appointed in cooperation with local governments, the Islands Trust and First Nations. The Committees meet officially at least once a year and more often as the need arises.

Our Local Committee Members

Steven Earle

Chair

Heather O’Sullivan

Co-Chair

Peter Briscoe

Committee Member

Vanessa Craig

Area B Director, Regional District of Nanaimo

Susan Yates

Gabriola Island Local Trustee, Islands Trust

Carly McMahon

Committee Member

Peggy Richardson

Committee Member

Henry Reeve

Committee Member

Ivan Bulic

Committee Member

Colin Robertson

Committee Member

Tom Vernon

Committee Member

Tyler Gray

Committee Member

BC Ferries Representatives

Tamara Olson

Community Relations Manager

Click to email
Captain Claudiu Raduta

Marine Superintendent

What the Ferry Advisory Committee does

The Ferry Advisory Committee:

  • represents the community in a consultative partnership with BC Ferries
  • brings forward local ferry service issues and concerns identified by the community to BC Ferries
  • provides feedback on local ferry service operations to the community
  • advises BC Ferries on long-term community planning issues affecting the local ferry service
  • advises BC Ferries on more effective ways to communicate local ferry service issues to residents
  • informs local residents of BC Ferries’ long term plans and priorities

FAC Terms of Reference

download the Terms of Reference here

How to contact your FAC

email    gabriola.fac@gmail.com

Ferry Advisory Committee meetings

The full FAC normally meets twice a year (normally in April and October) and may meet more often if required.

All meetings are open for the public to attend and contributions from residents or community representatives are invited, providing they have notified the Chair in advance of the meeting.

Meeting notifications and minutes are published on this website and on the BC Ferries web pages.

Community Engagement

Informal community meetings make take place at other locations. Details in the local media and on this website.

From time to time, the FAC may also conduct surveys of public opinion either online or through local media.