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Post by Dane on Jul 10, 2012 17:09:45 GMT -8
No, that is correct. The Government does not "own" rights of things like the flags. All ownership of things related to BC Ferries is within the BC Ferry Corporation, not the Government. Even Crown Corporations such as ICBC, BC Buildings has copyrights to their logos and other graphical appliances. Had a slow day so I did some digging today on this, albeit at the federal level, and you're actually incorrect. Crown corporation copyrights are ultimately held by the Treasury Board secretariat on behalf of the Government. While this answer is for the Feds I am sure it is inline with what is done at the Provincial level. The government owning things does not automatically mean the people have the rights to duplicate something and make money off it without due compensation to the government. The government (or any entity) has the right to insist on compensation for use of its works, particularly if money is being made off it without fair compensation. While that obviously is correct it is not what I was getting at. Rather the wrong organization may be enforcing copyright. However, for all I know it was legitimately transferred to BCFS. It would be like me stopping people from using the Golden Arches...
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Post by Dane on Jul 9, 2012 15:17:08 GMT -8
BCFS owns the copyright from BCFC? Sounds really suspicious to me. Does anyone know more about this? I'm not saying that they should be inherently fine to duplicate, it, but rather it seems like the Government should own it - not the sham of a private company BC Ferries is now?? Bizarre.
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Post by Dane on Jul 7, 2012 20:17:01 GMT -8
X6
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Post by Dane on Jul 2, 2012 20:25:31 GMT -8
I like the Criminal Code in front of him. Cute. Wrong book.
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Post by Dane on Jun 30, 2012 15:40:27 GMT -8
Ferries are different from both public transit, and even more so from private bus lines in that they are NOT extensions of the highway system. That's a huge difference in services.
That's the reason BC Ferries started as a part of Highways, and because of the growth of the fleet and love affair with corporations later became a quasi-external Crown Corporation.
The government is typically expected to provide some form of transport to most locations. With no bridges ferries are needed unless they plan to subsidize air fare or provide another alternative. BC is a bit of an oddball as some quirks of history determined which islands received service and which did not, but the expectation has been established and will be nearly impossible to remove.
Also, somewhat off topic, but the accounting for a public transit route to be "profitable" is hugely different than BC Ferries because they account for driver and fuel cost. Nothing else. No bus route actually makes money in Metro Van if you take into account associated required I infrastructure and equipment needed.
Greyhound is also hurting, very badly. I don't follow PCL, myself.
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Post by Dane on Jun 30, 2012 15:32:25 GMT -8
She was converted sometime in the 1990s for LNG. Not sure if that's been maintained, or something that even requires upkeep? I know nothing about engines as you can likely tell.
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Post by Dane on Jun 19, 2012 22:15:41 GMT -8
if $5.00 is the fee, go for it. You get what you pay for. What's missing are the base numbers. As in 14% from what? 14% from 200? 100? If you had the base numbers then you would be able to complete a stepped growth. But I'll leave that for those who want to do it. The base number is missing, yes, but you have the end state with the 2001 number. So if you're real keen you can in fact get the 1996 number through the wonders of math. Didn't you just say you do statistical research?
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Post by Dane on Jun 19, 2012 19:53:32 GMT -8
The information in this post is free. Except for Paul, you can send me $5 for my services.
--
Population Changes - Hornby Island ----------------------------------------------
Population in 2011 - 958 Population in 2006 - 1,074 Population in 2001 - 966
Population Changes - Denman Island ------------------------------------------------
Population in 2011 - 1,022 Population in 2006 - 1,095 Population in 2001 - 1,016
Population Changes - Quadra Island ---------------------------------------------- Population in 2011 - 2,601 Population in 2006 - 2,472 Population in 2001 - Not available
Population Changes - Galiano Island ----------------------------------------------
Population in 2011 - 1,138 Population in 2006 - 1,258 Population in 2001 - 1,071
Population Changes - Mayne Island ---------------------------------------------
Population in 2011 - 1,071 Population in 2006 - 1,112 Population in 2001 - 880
Population Changes - Saturna Island ----------------------------------------------- Population in 2011 - 335 Population in 2006 - 359 Population in 2001 - 319
Population Changes - Pender (N. and S. combined) Island ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Population in 2011 - 4,868 Population in 2006 - 5,101 Population in 2001 - 1,953 (this doesn't seem to make sense?)
2001 census numbers were published by the Province in 2003 and republished by Island Trust.
Interesting numbers are the growth from 1996 to 2001, all positive:
Thetis, 12% Bowen, 12% Denman, 4% Gabriola, 11% Galiano, 7% Gambier, 20% Hornby, 3% Mayne, 2% N. Pender, 7% Salt Spring, 0% Saturna, 14% S.Pender, 3%
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Post by Dane on Jun 17, 2012 12:34:23 GMT -8
Today is the 35th anniversary of regular Sea Bus service.
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Post by Dane on Jun 13, 2012 15:40:37 GMT -8
Great news for a BC Community. As a ferry fan a shame to not have two ship operations, but in reality a very prudent move. New Shelter Bay-Galena Bay ferry to be built in Nakuspwww.bclocalnews.com/news/158904445.htmlBy Claire Paradis - Revelstoke Times Review Published: June 13, 2012 10:00 AM Updated: June 13, 2012 4:31 PM The new ferry that will run between Shelter Bay and Galena Bay is to be built in Nakusp by WaterBridge Steel Inc. The B.C. goverment announced today that the $26.5-million contract to build the ferry has been awarded to WaterBridge Steel Inc. of Prince George. The new ferry will ply the 30-minute crossing between Shelter Bay and Galena Bay. It will be built in Nakusp, and provide employment opportunities for approximately 65 people for up to two years. “It is great news that the new ferry will be constructed in the Village of Nakusp. A project of this size will have a positive effect on our local economy," said Nakusp mayor Karen Hamling, "This will provide our businesses and residents the opportunity to showcase our spectacular scenery and unlimited recreational activities.” A drive-on, drive-off, open-decked vessel, it will be capable of transporting 80 cars and 250 passengers. Due to the ferry's larger vehicle and weight capacity, faster loading and unloading times are projected, which eliminates the need for an auxiliary ferry during the peak travel season, said Kate Trotter from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. WaterBridge Steel Inc. is owned by John Harding, who has been in the business of designing, building and operating car/truck/passenger ferries for British Columbia lakes since 1976. He was responsible for the construction and operation of the largest freight-carrying ice-breaker in the world when it went in to service on Williston Lake in 1995. The company also constructed the 2004 Francois Forester, which provides ferry service under contract with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Francois Lake.
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Post by Dane on Jun 12, 2012 18:04:49 GMT -8
Closely related to this discussion, from the Globe & Mail - www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/top-soldiers-shipbuilding-warning-we-need-to-start-cutting-steel/article4253244/Top soldier’s shipbuilding warning: ‘We need to start cutting steel’ ALY THOMSON HALIFAX — The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, Jun. 12 2012, 4:31 PM EDT Last updated Tuesday, Jun. 12 2012, 6:03 PM EDT Canada’s top soldier says it is time to get the lead out on the $35-billion federal shipbuilding contract, just as defence analysts warn that belt-tightening in Ottawa could further delay delivery of the country’s next fleet of combat ships. General Walter Natynczyk said the navy is his greatest concern when it comes to modernizing the military, and finalizing the shipbuilding deal would be vital in ensuring that Canada’s aging vessels are replaced. “The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a huge leap in progress,” the Chief of Defence Staff told the Royal Canadian Legion convention in Halifax Tuesday. “But we need to start cutting steel.” Gen. Natynczyk said the Arctic offshore patrol ships, the first vessels to be constructed under the deal, are key to the future of Canada’s maritime security. But federal budget documents tabled this spring show that they are being delayed, with the first vessel not expected to arrive until 2018 – three years after initially promised – and it won’t be fully operational until 2023. “I’ve learned that over time it’s actually easier buying aircraft and easier buying combat vehicles than it is to get ships moving because you have to build ships,” the Chief of Defence Staff said after his speech. “As I spoke to a number of admirals who have retired now but have a great deal of experience, getting the machinery, getting the industrial complex focused on ships is one of the most complex things we can do as a nation. Therefore it takes years and years of support and energy to get it done.” Gen. Natynczyk’s comments come as some defence analysts say the shipbuilding contracts in Halifax and Vancouver could be further delayed because of federal budget restraint. Steven Staples, a defence analyst and president of the Rideau Institute, said it’s very early in the procurement process and since no money has actually been spent yet, the multibillion-dollar figure will likely change. “The $30-, $35-billion figures are estimates – they’re ballparks,” Mr. Staples said from Ottawa. “We still don’t know how many ships will be built, what they’ll actually look like or how much they’re going to cost.” Mr. Staples said as the Defence Department braces for $1.5-billion in cuts over the next three years, the National Shipbuilding Strategy could be looked at as a possible source of savings, given its magnitude. “So the question is, ‘Do we need 12 new patrol frigates or do we need eight? Do we need six Arctic vessels?’” Mr. Staples cited Canada’s procurement of the Halifax-class frigates in the 1980s as an example where shipbuilding deals can evolve. In that case, the original plan was to build 18 vessels, but only 12 were made. “I expect that you might see a similar situation arise here,” he said. “Reality is going to set it. It was a big party for the announcement a few months ago, but now it’s Monday morning and people are saying, ‘Well, is that really going to happen?“’ Gen. Natynczyk would not say if he believes cuts to the Defence Department budget would affect the shipbuilding contract. In October, Ottawa announced that the Irving shipyard in Halifax would receive the lion’s share of the $35-billion national shipbuilding procurement project. Under its $25-billion deal, that shipyard will build 21 combat vessels. The Seaspan Marine Corp. shipyard in Vancouver will construct seven vessels under an $8-billion contract for non-combat ships. Another $2 billion for smaller vessels is yet to be allocated to another shipyard. Ottawa’s goal in rolling out the national shipbuilding procurement program is to end the boom and bust cycle that has hampered shipbuilding in Canada in the past. The industry has struggled since the last major warship project ended in the 1990s. The plan aims to see a steady flow of work over the next 20 to 30 years in order to sustain highly skilled jobs. -- The next Chief of Defence Staff will likely be a member of Her Majesty's most loyal Royal Canadian Navy so that will bring some important corporate knowledge to the top. The current Vice Chief of Defence is very strong and the most probable candidate, however, at that level it is essentially a political appointment.
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Post by Dane on Jun 10, 2012 21:19:22 GMT -8
The implicit victory in this also goes to BC as the Coast Guard ships are actually planned. It will be earth shattering new if the Navy ships are even close to being on time. To quote myself.... "The Navy" (in this case the Department of Nat'l Defence) continues to not be ready to send anything out for contracting. While Arctic ships make a lot of the news it is the supply ships and destroyers which are most mission critical - in that order. Recently the Government determined that both classes of ships are no longer going to be subject to preventative maintenance outside what is required for safe operations.
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Post by Dane on Jun 4, 2012 19:37:35 GMT -8
Thanks for the update. I just went on a rant about TL spending money on Sea Buses that are pretty immediately being replaced, but then realized they need to be painted regardless
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Post by Dane on Jun 3, 2012 19:43:51 GMT -8
In retrospect I shouldn't have put the year into the thread's title! Regardless, here is a 2012 article from the Globe & Mail on the renaming of the Toronto side terminal to "Jack Layton Ferry Terminal." www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/jack-and-the-islands-deserve-better/article4226090/ As an aside the almost totally-off-topic comments on the article are more hilarious, offensive, and bizarre than usual for G&M-types, at least. Marcus Gee Jack, and the islands, deserve betterThe Globe and Mail Published Friday, Jun. 01 2012, 9:06 PM EDT Last updated Friday, Jun. 01 2012, 9:09 PM EDT It makes perfect sense to rename the Toronto Island ferry terminal after Jack Layton. The late NDP leader and former city councillor fought for the right of island residents to stay in their homes. He married Olivia Chow on the islands, bicycled on their car-free paths and took his kids on island excursions. The islands held such a special meaning for him that some of his ashes were scattered there last summer. Councillor Pam McConnell, who was part of the group that chose the terminal to be named after Mr. Layton, says the ferries were “a bridge between the busy urban living that Jack loved and the tranquillity and peacefulness of the islands. For us it was a perfect a-ha moment because it embraced those two diversities that Jack loved.” The trouble is that the ferry terminal is a rather awful place. I’ve been going through it for decades on trips to the islands to picnic, swim or sail and it has always struck me as dingy and depressing. The terminal is wedged behind the Westin Harbour Castle hotel and the residential Harbour Square towers. These ugly concrete slabs, constructed by developer Robert Campeau before the collapse of his real estate empire, are a blot on the Toronto waterfront. They block all view of the water. Standing at Bay and Queens Quay, the approach to the ferry docks, you could just as easily be at Portage and Main. Cars charge out of the underground parking lot and over the sidewalk on the south side, while, on the northeast corner, the squat bunker of the conference centre looms over the intersection. A less friendly environment for pedestrians approaching the docks is hard to imagine. The ferry terminal itself is an asphalt slab surrounded by concrete walls and barred gates that make it feel like a cattle pen. With no roof over most of it, you stand exposed to the sun on a hot summer day, crammed together with the rest of the hordes heading to Centre, Ward’s or Hanlan’s. Getting to the lovely islands through this grim portal is like travelling to Narnia through a public washroom. What a way to welcome tourists to one of the city’s main attractions. To its credit, the city made some improvements to the terminal last year, adding new ticket booths, a canopy for shade and some new fencing. It also did over the washrooms inside. More improvements are on the way this year and next, including new benches, better lighting and a canopy for the Centre Island dock. But, in the end, these are Band-Aids on what is a disappointing and inadequate facility, a perfect example of the sort of “good-enough” attitude that has often led to mediocrity in the city’s public spaces. The terminal looks especially bad considering all the great changes going on all around it. Two brilliantly designed new waterfront spaces, Sugar Beach and Sherbourne Common, lie just to the east. To the west, Waterfront Toronto is redoing York Quay near the foot of York Street by replacing a surface-level parking lot with an underground one, freeing up valuable public space. Waterfront Toronto is also about to embark on a massive redesign of Queens Quay from Spadina to Bay. Sadly, the agency says that while a better ferry terminal is on its “wish list,” it doesn’t have the money. But Councillor McConnell believes that naming the terminal after Mr. Layton will be a catalyst for change. “I think this is just the beginning of a great transformation of the ferry docks, and that’s exactly what Jack would want,” she says. Let’s hope so. The islands are one of the city’s glories. They deserve a better gateway.
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Post by Dane on Jun 2, 2012 15:49:07 GMT -8
QoOB rerouted to Duke Point vice Departure Bay from Horseshoe Bay's 1510 sailing due to above noted threat.
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Post by Dane on Jun 2, 2012 15:32:59 GMT -8
Twitter, via BC Ferries and CKNW is reporting a bomb threat on the Queen of Coquitlam at this moment.
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Post by Dane on May 28, 2012 20:12:49 GMT -8
Did it fit the V's (I am assuming no because the New West would fit)?
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Post by Dane on May 28, 2012 19:42:43 GMT -8
How do foot passengers get on a Coastal when in Berth 3?
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Post by Dane on May 28, 2012 19:41:30 GMT -8
23 May 12
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Post by Dane on May 28, 2012 19:39:28 GMT -8
23 May 12 Approaching Tsawwassen. It seems like the Spirits are taking a course further South than I am used to (perhaps in line with Berth 3?) and then making a hard turn port to get into berth. Perhaps I just have not noticed this in the past? BC Ferries needs an exterior designer. The colour of the rope certainly clashes with the ship. Saskatchewan, "land of the living sky," in British Columbia! Looking a little dated. Approaching Swartz Bay from the opposite direction one would be used to on an S-Class ferry. Coastal Renaissance in Berth 3, not in service this day. Sliding into the berth. Along side the Coastal Renaissance.
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Post by Dane on May 27, 2012 18:38:23 GMT -8
I just picked up that great "No Sailing Wait" book at Munro's in Victoria this week. Great read for the low price!
Unfortunately the high fares kept me from discretionary ferry travel. A shame. As a result I've missed out on seeing some of my favorite book stores on this trip bike.
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Post by Dane on May 23, 2012 21:16:00 GMT -8
I am certain some of these delays as of late are due to the use of Berth 4 at Swartz Bay- takes an extra 3-4 minutes to land there. Add that up throughout the day, plus reasonably heavy traffic and the delays consolidate.
I have taken three trips into Swartz this week and they've all been slow on the Victoria end. Particularly one sailing on the SoBC where it seemed to take almost ten minutes between passing Berth 5 and actually being ready to unload.
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Post by Dane on May 21, 2012 22:48:47 GMT -8
Not only is the 620 not typically full but really the first few sailings are all fine unless it is a long or special weekend of some sort. While this information is three years old now, I used to sail out of Horseshoe Bay two-four times a week in the summer and none of the routes ever had sailing waits. There used to be an extra mid-morning sailing that took the stress off. Not sure if that's still the case on the Nanaimo route.
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Post by Dane on May 21, 2012 22:34:35 GMT -8
Yes. I lived on the North Shore for the first 22 years of life, and was a SeaBus commuter for four of those Typically all work is done at Lonsdale Quay, or with a quick trip over to Washington Marine. No sign of a Beaver there, either. But it can be hard to tell exactly what's there.
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Post by Dane on May 21, 2012 21:36:19 GMT -8
Interesting. Personally I find that set up overwhelmingly underwhelming, but sounds like it is worth their time - given the employee is paid anyways this surely would not actually take that many sales.
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