Harrop-Proctor residents protest upcoming ferry schedule

Over 150 residents from Harrop and Proctor kicked off the new year protesting the looming Harrop ferry workers strike, which would see the 24-seven route be dropped back to eight round trip sailings a day.

Proctor resident Valerie Farcelais joined her neighbours in a show of support for the impact about to come.

“We have a very peaceful protest just to show our support to the community and to establish the fact that cutting off our ferry as essential services is not okay.” said Farcelais.

“It’s going to be very complicated and we just want to gather together to show that we are a strong community together and we want to fight this together.”

The B.C. General Employees Union says a strike start date has not been confirmed, however, when it does, it will see the 24-7 service dropped back to eight round trip sailings a day across two block periods:

  • 6:30am to 8am- four sailings per day
  • 4:00pm to 5:30pm- four sailings per day

Outside that, only essential traffic will be allowed to cross.

“It is absolutely not sustainable for the community, absolutely not.” said Farcelais.

“We are a beautiful community and we stand together but what is happening right now it’s unacceptable and we’re gonna fight this the best that we can and we need all the support that we can have.”

“We have a lot of elder people, we have families, the families will be separated at night because the parents won’t be able to come back home.”

Previously the Kootenay Lake Ferry strike applied only to the Balfour-Kootenay Bay ferry, however, the employer’s challenge of the original essential service order was successful in forcing more sailings at Balfour and therefore pushed the pressure further downstream says union staff Representative Mike Fenton.
“Our only action to put more pressure back onto the employer was to include Harrop and Glade.” said Fenton.
Fenton say he was surprised by the number of sailings set down for Harrop, as Glade received 16 to their eight.
Any strike action will require 24 hours notice.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.

Kate Brown
Kate Brown
Kate is a proud mom of two with a wealth of journalism, media and communications experience. Born in Australia, Kate moved to the Kootenays for a change in lifestyle and now spends her days enjoying the mountains, lakes and activities the region has to offer.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

BC Greens’ Nicole Charlwood hopes third time is the charm in Kootenay Central

The BC Green candidate for Kootenay Central says she is running again in the riding because she has the trust of the electorate and party staff, and is a "known quantity" in the riding.

B.C. NDP pledges millions for clean energy and climate programs

The B.C. NDP is promising millions of dollars in new investments in clean energy and climate programs if re-elected, while warning a Conservative government would roll back environmental protections. 

First Nations leaders call on B.C. Conservatives to drop candidate over alleged residential school denialism

First Nations leaders are calling on the B.C. Conservatives to remove a candidate over allegations of residential school denialism.

Nelson wastewater pipe replacement pushed later into 2027

Nelson's wastewater force main replacement project is facing a longer timeline as the city works through challenging rock conditions along the planned route near Grohman Narrows.

B.C. NDP pledges millions for clean energy and climate programs

The B.C. NDP is promising millions of dollars in new investments in clean energy and climate programs if re-elected, while warning a Conservative government would roll back environmental protections. 
- Advertisement -