December 31, 2016 not only marked the final day of the year but also the final day the DEV Galena ferry was in operation.
Ministry of Transportation officials cite costs as one of the reasons for the decommission, stating the extensive refit required to continue to operate the vessel would cost millions of dollars. Even after the refit, the vessel would be subject to expensive maintenance and certification costs regardless of how often it was used.
Petitions have been posted in various places in Nakusp to gather signatures to protest
the decommission.
Many residents have also written, telephoned, and emailed the ministry with their concerns about the Galena’s decommissioning, including Jan and Patrick Dion.
“We have three routes out of here and they’re all mountainous, and two of them have ferries,” said Jan. “If we have an avalanche on one, we have to use the other.”
The ministry has said it is comfortable moving to a single vessel, as the MV Columbia was built and designed to be as robust and reliable as possible. It’s equipped with hatches to facilitate the quick replacement of propulsion equipment and has a full set of replacement parts for all major components. In addition, the vessel’s equipment and systems can be fully serviced from the car deck or inside the vessel.
This statement doesn’t sit well with Jan.
“I find that it’s almost like we’re being punished for being here, and that the government is trying to kill this community,” she said. “When they said they were comfortable with t
hat decision, it’s easy for them to be comfortable in Victoria where it may snow three inches and everything falls apart. If there’s a problem they always have a backup.”
Her husband Patrick agrees.
“They’re not taking into consideration the needs of the community and it’s foolhardy, I think,” he said. “I know they’ve made their decision, and it’s the wrong decision, and I wish they would reconsider.”
If one of the three ferries in the area breaks down, many are looking at a significant drive to reach one of the more urban locations nearby. For example, if the Needles ferry were to break down, travellers would be looking at an extra eight hours of driving in order to reach Vernon or Kelowna.
When summing up her thoughts on the whole thing Jan did not mince her words.
“I just feel like they are disrespecting us, they are devaluing us, and they are disregarding us as a community.”
