B.C. Ferries is holding its annual general meeting this morning in Victoria at a time when the organization faces major engine repairs on its Coastal Renaissance and ongoing staffing challenges.
The public meeting includes B.C. Ferry Services Inc. and the B.C. Ferry Authority. It will start at 10 a.m. in the Vancouver Island ballroom in the Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St. The B.C. Ferry Authority is the sole shareholder, while B.C. Ferry Services Inc. operates the fleet.
Chairs of the boards of the two organizations will speak, as will Nicolas Jimenez, president of B.C. Ferry Services. He will look at the past year and talk about what’s coming up in the future.
The chief financial officer for B.C. Ferries will also speak about the company’s financial performance.
The meeting can be watched virtually. Go to bcferries.com/agm for information on how to join the meeting.
There will be opportunities for both virtual and in-person participation.
This summer has seen thousands of passengers lose bookings on Coastal-class vessels due to mechanical issues that pulled the ships out of service. Frustrated passengers expressed their unhappiness at long waits at terminals.
At the same time, B.C. Ferries is making plans to expand its fleet. A proposal to order more Island-class ferries, smaller vessels that serve the Gulf Islands, goes to the board this week. Next year, a major proposal to replace the larger C-class ferries will go before the board.
