The Glade Ferry Society is hosting the "This Is Our Highway!" fundraising event on Saturday, April 12 in order to help the communities of Glade and Harrop-Procter cover legal costs as they take action to address the immediate and long-term risks they face if cable ferry services are reduced again.
Members of the B.C.General Employees Union have been on strike or on overtime bans against Western Pacific Marine, which operates these ferries and the Balfour-Kootenay Bay ferry since Nov. 3, 2024.
A special mediation announced by Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside on April 5 is currently underway as the two parties attempt to negotiate a new contract.
Cable ferry services are operating normally at Glade and Harrop-Proctor during this time. But residents fear what will happen should the special mediation fail and worry about the long-term risks every time the ferry worker's contract is up for negotiation in the future.
The ferries are the only way in and out of Glade and Harrop-Proctor.
Because of these factors, the communities are looking for some legal protection in order to prevent drastic service cuts like those seen earlier this year.
“Try to imagine having only one road or bridge connecting your community to services and jobs and family and friends on the other side,” said Glade Ferry Society chair Anne Mowat.
“Every time you leave or return to your community via that chokepoint, consider the impact if that route were blocked because two disputing parties cannot agree on terms. Then imagine you can’t do anything about it because your community doesn’t have standing in the forum that decides your fate.”
Mowat says that this reality places the health, safety, and wellbeing of ferry-reliant communities at risk of irreparable harm.
“Reliable ferry access is fundamental to community viability, and we are facing what we believe is an existential threat. Accordingly, we are actively fundraising to help us cover mounting legal costs to address these very clear risks.”
The event will take place at the Glade Community Hall from noon to 3 p.m. and feature a BBQ fundraiser with local musicians giving benefit performances and a silent auction featuring a diverse offering of goods and services from area businesses, artisans, and others.
