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Post by Inquisitive One on Mar 21, 2006 10:41:53 GMT -8
Had I been the one to take the Zodiac, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to just take it for a joyride. That thing would be sold already!
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 21, 2006 17:26:25 GMT -8
who in thier right mind would buy a zodiac with all that harbourlynx logoing on it. wouldn't take long for you to get caught
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Post by Dane on Mar 21, 2006 17:48:02 GMT -8
who in thier right mind would buy a zodiac with all that harbourlynx logoing on it. wouldn't take long for you to get caught I think he's refering to selling the whole thing to repay the debts that can be dealt with...
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Post by Quinsam on Mar 21, 2006 18:29:01 GMT -8
The boat itself is only 1 Million $
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 21, 2006 22:25:38 GMT -8
Had I been the one to take the Zodiac, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to just take it for a joyride. That thing would be sold already! i dont think so.
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 22, 2006 6:52:02 GMT -8
It's official: 'Lynx sinks at deadline Investors fail to keep company afloat Leanna Jantzi Daily News
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
HarbourLynx has sunk.
The deadline for the fast ferry's parent company to file a new businesses proposal -- that would have needed new investors -- has past, casting HarbourLynx into official bankruptcy. Lenders owed money by Nanaimo Harbour Link Corp. now own the vessel and the rest of the company's assets.
"It's gone through the normal process. The company expired last night at midnight," said Nanaimo Harbour Link Corp. director John Cavers.
Cavers expected to meet with the bankruptcy trustee and finalize any paperwork that needs to be done either today or Thursday.
Now that bankruptcy is official, the HarbourLynx ferry may not rest in Nanaimo Harbour for much longer.
"I can only tell you that the people who have the mortgage on it are two businessmen and they are going to have to maximize their dollar and sell it into whatever market they can if they don't wish to run a service," Cavers said. "Other people think they have an idea (of what will happen with the boat), but until the deal's done, they don't know."
The owners of the boat will have to deal with the laws of the sea first. The vessel was slapped with an arrest proceeding on Feb. 21 under maritime law. It means that the boat can't be moved until the claims against it are secured, explained lawyer Tom Hawkins of Bernard & Partners, who processed the order.
The warrant comes from action brought by Allied Ship Builders, he said. He would not say how much the company's claim is worth.
David Redmond, former senior engineer for HarbourLynx, said crew members have, under a maritime lien, attached a caveat to the claim. That means that crew members' unpaid wages must be covered by the sale of the boat.
He said the boat's crew is owed about $60,000 to $70,000 in wages and holiday pay. The maritime law only covers the ship's crew, he said, not other employees.
Former HarbourLynx operations manager Bill McKay said it was a shame the service "couldn't make a go of it."
"It's just a real sad day for Nanaimo as far as I'm concerned," he said.
Shareholder Robert McNeill said he hopes B.C. Ferries will pick up the service.
"I think it's desperately needed," he said. "Why does B.C. Ferries only want to carry cars and trucks? Aren't people important?"
LJantzi@nanaimodailynews.com
'LYNX STILL OWES TAX DEBT
While shareholders of HarbourLynx desperately scrambled to find new money to keep the ship out of bankruptcy, the provincial government forgave the company's sales tax debt.
Then it brought it back.
On March 9, two provincial cabinet orders were released regarding taxes the ferry service owed. The first granted remission of $87,700 of social service tax that an investor owed for repairs on the vessel.
The second granted remission of the $301,000 tax owed by Nanaimo Harbour Link Corp. on the purchase of the boat and $63,500 of tax on the purchase of repairs.
But on March 15, the second order was rescinded, meaning the now-bankrupt company still owes the tax.
Robert McNeill, a shareholder in Nanaimo Harbour Link Corp., just learned of the news Tuesday morning.
"I don't know what to think or say. We were begging them . . . to rescind this tax. We couldn't pay it and we were told at that time no," he said. "I guess flabbergasted would be a good word."
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue spokeswoman Theresa Lumsdon said she couldn't discuss the specifics of the matter, citing cabinet confidentiality.
She said she could confirm that the original cabinet order was an error.
"That was acknowledged and rectified immediately through a rescinding order," she said.
She added that procedure has been reviewed to ensure such an error doesn't occur again.
Lifeboat engine saved after vandal's joyride
HarbourLynx's lifeboat has been saved.
Someone took the 12-foot Zodiac off the fast ferry sometime Sunday and took it for a ride. It was left floating upside down in Nanaimo Harbour.
Once recovered, it was taken to a dealership to see if any damage was done to the $12,000 engine - but the diagnosis is good.
"We've saved the engine," said HarbourLynx shareholder Robert McNeill.
"We got it in time."
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Post by Dane on Mar 22, 2006 15:07:33 GMT -8
Theres an article in today's Province a long the same lines too, haven't checked the Sun yet.
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Post by Mike C on Mar 25, 2006 16:29:40 GMT -8
Well let's face it. Fast Ferries do not do well on this coast. Which makes you wonder, what will happen to our friends at Washington Marine Group and their FastCats?
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Post by Quinsam on Mar 25, 2006 17:03:46 GMT -8
Hold on! Harbourlynx ordered an engine from Norway, and also a new boat that goes 40 knots! What is happening to that?
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Post by Mike C on Mar 25, 2006 17:22:07 GMT -8
Maybe WSF will buy it off them to serve their Seattle-Vashon route... Or did they order a new vessel? Or maybe they'll try and bring back the ol' Seattle-Victoria as the Princess Margereutte IV? (pardon my spelling)
Good observations Harry! I have no idea whatsoever.
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Post by Quinsam on Mar 25, 2006 17:48:14 GMT -8
The Seattle to Victoria ferry is the Victoria Clippper, there are 3 vessels in total
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 25, 2006 18:39:35 GMT -8
i guess since i dont assosiate with the company i can tell you all the juicy bits....
They were going to order 2 new vessels very soon. less an 30 meters and able to handle a sustained 40 - 45 knots. they were nice. ill post photos laters of what we thought they would look like.
they did NOT order a new engine from norway, as i had previously thought. they insted wanted DDA of kamloops (or some nortern place like that) to insted fix the engine for no cost to us. but the crew was worried about it.
a few weeks ago there was a meeting in nanaimo about all this. in which John Cavers and the Mcneil bros. show up, and let us know thier plans. the current sharholders, as soon as the recievership plans were announced. decided to leave us. with over 40 people unpaid. and close to 5 1/2 million dollars in debt to various companies in the lowermainland and nanaimo.
when the Ride the wave contest was going, we tried to collect lots of those coupons. which could be sold to the bussing companies, and they would be able to use them cheaper than thier rates. insted, bcf came back and said "That is illegal" very shortly after the ferry commisioner said that it was legal, and is common practice throughout the world. BCF then decided to show us up. by not allowing a partner bus (From Charter Bus Lines of Delta) to use them on the swartz bay to Tswassen run. causing further ruckus, and further losses on our side.
by the way. Harbourlynx and thier ridership managed to collect over 5,000 of these coupons. and with a value of 10.00 each approx came to a net loss to harbourlynx of 50,000$ more to come later.
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Post by future bcer on Mar 27, 2006 11:42:14 GMT -8
Maybe there is some hope after all... This was in Nanaimo Bulletin...
Group considers ferry future
By Darrell Bellaart The news Bulletin Mar 25 2006
Nanaimo's business community is looking for ways to replace passenger ferry service to downtown Vancouver. Representatives from the city, Nanaimo Port Authority, downtown merchants and Tourism Nanaimo agreed during a breakfast meeting Friday the service is too valuable to lose, especially as Nanaimo develops greater business ties with Vancouver. "It was a really valuable service having passenger service with Vancouver," said Marilyn Hutchinson, city economic development officer, and the person spearheading the group. The group hasn't become a formal entity yet, but its members plan to meet again soon. Nanaimo Port Authority president Bill Mills said the city reaped economic benefits from the passenger ferry while it operated, and the service could prove viable with the right carrier. "I think a venture of this type, you've really got to have the financial wherewithal to make it work," Mills said. "Certainly the ridership HarbourLynx had was showing growth each month." Hutchinson said everyone agrees in the importance of replacing the ferry service. "I think it's good that some minds came together," she said. newsbeat@nanaimobulletin.com
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 27, 2006 16:33:47 GMT -8
2 crews of 7 = 14 1 crew of 5 Aux = 19 2 managers = 21 3 salespeople = 24 2 3 man cleaning crews = 30 1 receptionist = 31 2 Accountants = 33 5 Vancouver attendants = 38 5 nanaimo attendants = 43
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Mar 28, 2006 21:17:48 GMT -8
That would be good if they could get another operator to operate the Harbourlynx. I am wondering why there site is still up if there is no more Harbourlynx???
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Doug
Voyager
Lurking within...the car deck.
Posts: 2,213
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Post by Doug on Mar 28, 2006 22:12:07 GMT -8
Cascade...perhaps the reason ferry service is DYING partly in Europe is because they have so many private operators. We DO NOT want that European problem here. This is an ESSENTIAL service and MUST be regulated by the government. None of this free market crap.
When will you learn that Europe is not the same as BC? When BC Ferries goes on strike and all service between the Mainland and Island has come to a stand-still, within few days Vancouver Island is suffering. What if all the ferries between mainland Europe and England came to a stand-still? Not much...there is always alternative ways of getting there and England is a country, which can sustain itself.
Cascade, here is a little lesson for YOU. Vancouver Island is part of Canada. Vancouver Island is part of BC. Vancouver Island is not self-sustainable.
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Post by Quinsam on Mar 28, 2006 22:16:16 GMT -8
Yeah, but Vancouver Island has a few alternative ways of getting contact with the mainland.
1. Airlines (Victoria)(Nanaimo)(Comox) 2. Seaspan (Washington Marine Group) 3. Harbourlynx (Now non-existant!)
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 28, 2006 22:19:25 GMT -8
harbourlynx.com is up because
a. the domain is paid for till the end of the year b. the hosting is paid for till the end of this month ( i think)
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Doug
Voyager
Lurking within...the car deck.
Posts: 2,213
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Post by Doug on Mar 28, 2006 22:22:21 GMT -8
Those are not the real "essential" operations and they have never been. They could not keep up with the passenger/vehicle traffic that BC Ferries carries if BC Ferries were to go on strike again (which they shouldn't because they are strictly regulated by the "Coastal Ferry Act").
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Post by Dane on Mar 28, 2006 23:07:52 GMT -8
On behalf of the Staff and crew of Nanaimo HarbourLink Co. We would like to thank everyone for supported this venture.
From harbourlynx.com
ha ha ha
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Post by NMcKay on Mar 29, 2006 7:12:11 GMT -8
you should have seen the message before...
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Post by Dane on Mar 29, 2006 14:47:04 GMT -8
Now - what has happen here in Europe - per say - and not the UK - that state run Ferry business have not advanced and offered a good service to there paying customers - due to lack of capital investment in the business. But where a private operator has invested in equipment and provided a good service - they win the customer - hence are profitable, which in turn re-invest the profits back into the business - which makes it a much better service - and in return gets more customers. The Poor state run business, doe not have the customer base - hence can not invest in new vessels - so lose customers. The State can not keep on pumping in more funds - as they have requirements for other service which need these funds. A case in point is BC - you lose out in having new health care - Hospital, as they over spend on the Fast Cats - for what - creating 200 new job's. Strikes - if BCFS had a real competitor on the route / service across the Strait - then staff would think twice about going on strike - as it would not do much for them, as there is an alternative service. With another company offering the same or better service - then staff are free to chose where and whom they wish to work for. The idea BC Ferries doesn't have a customer base because it has old vessels is flat out wrong - it would be more true in a European model where again options exist for people to choose how they get from a to b, but here it is the one marine based choice (excluding very minor services). So you're line of argument, in the BC context says "People will not drive on highway 17 because it is old." The only other option would be to greatly increase your travel time to find an alternative. Moroever BC Ferries provides a fundemntal service to the lives of BCians, there is not many services in Europe that compare to this. As such, BC Ferries doesn't have to worry about critical customer base, but rather people who don't have to travel on BC Ferries but do it more for pleasure, tourist reasons etc. If a true competition developes, the thought you laid out in the post will be far more valid. And strikes are a fact of BC... private options won't change this. When BC did run with private ferries they went on strike too, in fact their labour issues were equal too if not greater than BC Ferries. (Although the union is very vocal they rarely actually do anything the effects the customers of BCFS) A good way to demonstrate this would be Telus where when they had a "national strike" 85% of workers in BC stayed off the job, and by strikes end 90% in Alberta were already working again!! BC Ferries, as it stands today will always have the compeative advantage, allowing the union to be in a strike position.
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Doug
Voyager
Lurking within...the car deck.
Posts: 2,213
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Post by Doug on Mar 29, 2006 22:26:36 GMT -8
The biggest reason we shouldn't have private operators everywhere is because, as much as Cascade thinks it's not, service to and from Vancouver Island is essential.
However, if a NEW operator wants to start a NEW route (like WMG with the fast ferries), I am completely fine with that. BC Ferries will always be the dominant operator with the lowest fares (which is partly because the service is essential), which will attract customers. We won't need any of this bull poopoo ancillary services onboard like the Europeans give you. If you don't buy anything on a European ferry, you're likely getting bare-bone service the for the length of the route.
There is also a concern of travel time. You see if you drive across the country, you have to criss-cross back and forth on the squiggly highways, pay for food (because we will only go seven days without it) and accommodation. If you fly, there is no need for the purchase of food and accommodation because the service is a lot quicker. I'd say that's what it's like comparing a BC Ferry to a European ferry...the BC Ferry representing the airline. THE ROUTES ARE SHORT!
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Post by Inquisitive One on Mar 30, 2006 10:00:30 GMT -8
i guess since i dont assosiate with the company i can tell you all the juicy bits.... They were going to order 2 new vessels very soon. less an 30 meters and able to handle a sustained 40 - 45 knots. they were nice. ill post photos laters of what we thought they would look like. they did NOT order a new engine from norway, as i had previously thought.... .....a few weeks ago there was a meeting in nanaimo about all this. in which John Cavers and the Mcneil bros. show up, and let us know thier plans.... Let's see those pictures of what the two new vessels would have looked like, Nick! Nick, did you get most of your information about current events with Harbourlynx from your father? If so, I can see why the company went under! "Captain" Bill McKay was the operations manager, was he not? Did he tell you they had ordered a new engine from Norway? It sounds like you were at the meeting you speak of, when you say they "show up, and let us know their plans". What else did they say, Nick? You're a wealth of information!
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Post by jcachristian on Mar 30, 2006 11:43:12 GMT -8
As of 1:30 PM yesturday the mv Harnourlynx is still tied to its dock in Nanaimo
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