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BC Ferries' Nicholas Offers Some Opportunities to Local NonProfits

Gayle Baker

Updated: Jan 23, 2024

January 19

Unfortunately, snow forced a cancellation of this gathering. Anticipated as a rich conversation about funding options for local initiatives, Funding a healthy and resilient Salt Spring, our team of experts, Shannon Cowan, Salt Spring Island Foundation; Nora Layard, Transition Salt Spring Economic Co-Op (TSSEC); Robert Steinbach, Country Grocer Community Outreach; and Julie Kemble, Chair of the Arts Council, have promised to join us Friday, February 16, 11-1, in the SIMS classroom next to the Boardroom.


But, even though we had no ASK Salt Spring gathering this week, we do have some news: On October 20, BC Ferries President and Chief Executive Officer, CAO Nicholas Jimenez (https://www.bcferries.com/news-releases/bcferries-appoints-president-&-CEO) was ASK Salt Spring’s special guest. We got many answers at this gathering, documented in the ASK Salt Spring Report: https://www.saltspringcommunityalliance.org/post/welcoming-bc-ferries-president-ceo-nicholas-jimenez.


But, Nicholas left some questions unanswered, promising answers.

We have just received these answers:


Question: Nicholas was asked what BC Ferries could do to help promote the Salish Sea Trail Network.

Answer: We are happy to add links to the cycling page on BCFerries.com (https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/cyclists) to promote the Salish Sea Trail Network. Organizers can get in touch with our Community Relations department at engagement@bcferries.com to make this request.Question: How does BC ferries plan to support cycling?


Answer: Our Customer Experience team has reviewed Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s recent Salt Spring Cycling Safety Review (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/reports-and-reference/reports-and-studies/vancouver-island-south-coast/2023-04-21_salt_spring_island_cycling_safety_review.pdf) as part of an initiative to improve the travel experience for cyclists.


Our team recently conducted a review of our Salt Spring Island terminals and will soon be installing new way-finding signage to help direct cyclist to the correct check in point and navigate through the terminals.


Because terminals on Salt Spring Island have limited property lines, we are unable to designate bike lanes within our property without major terminal redevelopment.


The cycling page on BCFerries.com has also been updated to include current check-in information along with information about navigating through our terminals. https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/cyclistsQuestion: How can Salt Spring organizations advertise on ferries?


Answer: BC Ferries partners with Pattison Outdoor Advertising to sell advertising space in poster frames on board vessels and at terminals, where the frames exist. Pattison sells the space to third parties on behalf of BC Ferries, and they manage the installation and removal. Revenue generated from the program is reinvested in BC Ferries and the coastal ferry system.


BC Ferries uses a percentage of the poster frames on board and at terminals to advertise recruitment opportunities, provide customers information related to service and projects, and to advertise products and services.


In addition, where BC Ferries has established partnership agreements with organizations from coastal communities, we have made a percentage of the BC Ferries poster frame inventory available to help these organizations promote their initiatives and events. Two not-for-profit examples include the Pacific Region International Summer Music Association, PRISMA, in Powell River (https://prismafestival.com/)and the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast (https://gibsonsmarine-ed.org/#experience).


There are opportunities for not-for-profits to advertise in poster frames on board vessels and at terminals when a partnership agreement is established with BC Ferries and the frame inventory exists. Organizations can reach out to communityinvestment@bcferries.com with requests for advertising support.Concerning large groups using BC Ferries, when customers know that large groups will be travelling, they are encouraged to call our Customer Care team at 1-888-223-3779 to let them know. The Customer Care team can pass this information along to the terminal and vessel(s) so they are prepared.


Clearly enjoying himself, Nicholas promised to return to ASK Salt Spring in 2024. Watch for his return at a gathering this fall.


Please join us this Friday, January 26, 11-1, in SIMS (former Middle School) classroom next to the Boardroom to welcome long-time Salt Springer Tom Toynbee for a wander down memory lane to a very different Ganges.


What would you like to ask him?

  • You were very involved in the Ganges Sewer Wars. What can you tell us about them?

  • Please tell us about the filling in wetlands to create Thrifty Foods, our Post Office, retail stores, and village parking.

  • What are your most satisfying memories of your decades on Salt Spring?

  • If you could change something, what would it be?

  • And?

Please join us to welcome Tom!


Did you know that ASK Salt Spring now has an Event Organizer? Grant Fredrickson has stepped up to identify special guests and coordinate their visits. . . Wahoo!


Who else would like to help? Maybe you would like to take charge of weekly media? Do you see yourself facilitating? How about writing reports? Or. . . ?


Please join us making ASK Salt Spring ever better!


Big News:

ASK Salt Spring now has ongoing funding! A heartfelt THANK-YOU to the Institute for Sustainability, Education, and Action (I-SEA) and its Executive Director, Peter Allen !!!


***New fundraising option***

You can now give the Return It change you earn from your bottles to ASK Salt Spring: Account #230.


Any questions, anytime: ask@asksaltspring.com


Want to see reports from all the ASK Salt Spring gatherings,

monthly schedule of upcoming gatherings? Asksaltspring.com.

Want to listen to interviews of our special guests?ASK Salt Spring Answered


Want to help? ASK Salt Spring now has a Save-a-Tape box at Country Grocer.

We love your receipts! Remember: #15


Our Partners. . . .

Institute for Sustainability, Education, and Action (I-SEA), Country Grocer through Save-a-Tape and Gift Cards and Island Savings' Simple Generosity grant.

A heartfelt Thank-You!


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