January 19, 2024: Unfortunately, snow forced a cancellation of this gathering. Anticipated as a rich conversation about funding options for local initiatives, Funding a healthy and resilient Salt Spring, our team of experts, Shannon Cowan, Salt Spring Island Foundation; Nora Layard, Transition Salt Spring Economic Co-Op (TSSEC); Robert Steinbach, Country Grocer Community Outreach; and Julie Kemble, Chair of the Arts Council, have promised to join us Friday, February 16, 11-1, in the SIMS classroom next to the Boardroom.

But, even though we had no ASK Salt Spring gathering this week, we do have some news: On October 20, BC Ferries President and Chief Executive Officer, CAO Nicholas Jimenez (https://www.bcferries.com/news-releases/bcferries-appoints-president-&-CEO) was ASK Salt Spring’s special guest. We got many answers at this gathering, documented in the ASK Salt Spring Report: https://www.saltspringcommunityalliance.org/post/welcoming-bc-ferries-president-ceo-nicholas-jimenez.

But, Nicholas left some questions unanswered, promising answers.

We have just received these answers:

Question: Nicholas was asked what BC Ferries could do to help promote the Salish Sea Trail Network.

Answer: We are happy to add links to the cycling page on BCFerries.com (https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/cyclists) to promote the Salish Sea Trail Network. Organizers can get in touch with our Community Relations department at engagement@bcferries.com to make this request.Question: How does BC ferries plan to support cycling?

Answer: Our Customer Experience team has reviewed Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s recent Salt Spring Cycling Safety Review (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/reports-and-reference/reports-and-studies/vancouver-island-south-coast/2023-04-21_salt_spring_island_cycling_safety_review.pdf) as part of an initiative to improve the travel experience for cyclists.

Our team recently conducted a review of our Salt Spring Island terminals and will soon be installing new way-finding signage to help direct cyclist to the correct check in point and navigate through the terminals.

Because terminals on Salt Spring Island have limited property lines, we are unable to designate bike lanes within our property without major terminal redevelopment.

The cycling page on BCFerries.com has also been updated to include current check-in information along with information about navigating through our terminals. https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/cyclistsQuestion: How can Salt Spring organizations advertise on ferries?

Answer: BC Ferries partners with Pattison Outdoor Advertising to sell advertising space in poster frames on board vessels and at terminals, where the frames exist. Pattison sells the space to third parties on behalf of BC Ferries, and they manage the installation and removal. Revenue generated from the program is reinvested in BC Ferries and the coastal ferry system.

BC Ferries uses a percentage of the poster frames on board and at terminals to advertise recruitment opportunities, provide customers information related to service and projects, and to advertise products and services.

In addition, where BC Ferries has established partnership agreements with organizations from coastal communities, we have made a percentage of the BC Ferries poster frame inventory available to help these organizations promote their initiatives and events. Two not-for-profit examples include the Pacific Region International Summer Music Association, PRISMA, in Powell River (https://prismafestival.com/)and the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast (https://gibsonsmarine-ed.org/#experience).

There are opportunities for not-for-profits to advertise in poster frames on board vessels and at terminals when a partnership agreement is established with BC Ferries and the frame inventory exists. Organizations can reach out to communityinvestment@bcferries.com with requests for advertising support.Concerning large groups using BC Ferries, when customers know that large groups will be travelling, they are encouraged to call our Customer Care team at 1-888-223-3779 to let them know. The Customer Care team can pass this information along to the terminal and vessel(s) so they are prepared.

Clearly enjoying himself, Nicholas promised to return to ASK Salt Spring in 2024. Watch for his return at a gathering this fall.