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Regional district seeks alternate ferry service between Sandspit and Skidegate

The SQCRD wants the Misty Isles Economic Development Society to investigate an alternate service between Skidegate and Sandspit.

The Skeena — Queen Charlotte Regional District (SQCRD) wants the Misty Isles Economic Development Society to investigate the possibility of an alternate service delivery model to the BC Ferries route between Skidegate and Alliford Bay.

Evan Putteril, director for Sandspit, brought up the idea at the last regional district meeting held in the Village of Queen Charlotte at the end of April. The idea was supported by all board members.

Chair Barry Pages said the regional district board agreed the BC Ferries schedule reduction causes economic hardship for Sandspit and Haida Gwaii.

"We recognize that from the regional district's perspective it would take a lot of staff time and resources to look at all of the issues and put together a business case," said Pages.

"The board thought it would be a good decision to ask Misty Isle Development Society to look at options in respect to alternative service provision, to see if it looks like there's some options to put a business case together around it."

As of May 9 the SQCRD had yet to receive a response from the Misty Isles Development Society.

The reduction in ferry service between Skidegate and Sandspit has had a significant impact on both communities, including necessitating a shift in the daily schedule of buses and schools in southern Haida Gwaii to accommodate teacher and student travel.