Bring on the higher ferry fares, they fortify the moat
Recently I was asked to comment on proposed ferry fare increases.
My comments were to be used by the CVRD chairman and other regional district chairs to lobby the province — expectedly with hand wringing angst.
The kind among my peers oftev call many of my perspectives contrarian. The less kind mumble curmudgeon, or worse.
Anyway following is my submission. It is made in the shadow of the exuberance of the tourism sector, but with respect for a complete vacuum of any regional growth management plan within the CVRD whatsoever.
One of the only things holding back the hoards is the perception that the ferry service to Vancouver Island is prohibitively expensive.
In the scheme of things, it is a small yearly outlay for most island residents and of marginal consideration for most tourists who only venture to Vancouver Island rarely. We prefer the ones with money anyway.
I would support a modest increase to ferry fares of maybe 25% to 40% to help assure my continued privacy and relatively exclusive lifestyle somewhat.
I consider this a cheap and effective prophylactic barrier from the cancer of mindless growth and sprawl such as we see on much of the mainland, or regretfully, in Langford for example.
I know I may be in a minority here, but I do wish to keep and protect what we all have, protect by any means possible and reasonable.
Higher fares are a civilized methodology to do so, and quite effective I may add.
Fortify our natural moat with a price barrier — the common sense approach, the thinking person's solution to the delicate issue of exclusivity.
Not that many potential emigrants, do not quickly see through the ruse, but they are the smarter ones at least.
Consider this a small consolation that we will still attract the thoughtful and more appreciative ones to the paradise of Island(s) life.
Modest and selective growth: connoisseurs of the good life understand what I say here quite well, trust me on this.
Appropriately increased ferry fares are an effective and subtle way to do so, and a small price to pay for the many benefits given in return...in my opinion.
Loren Duncan is CVRD director for Area E, Cowichan Station Sahtlam and Glenora.
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