Earlier this month, the Our Ferry Matters Committee organizers said they submitted a package to Brittny Anderson, local MLA for Nelson/Creston, to extend the hours of the Kootenay Lake Ferry. A package will also be presented to the Provincial Government in October.

They are asking for extended hours to access the emergency medical care that Nelson provides, to have the ability to schedule early tests and medical appointments in Trail; to have more access to employment; to allow youth to participate in local sports; and to create a better work life balance for the ferry’s employees.

Currently, the earliest departure from Kootenay Bay is 7:10 a.m. and the latest departure from Balfour is 9:40 p.m.

Our Ferry Matters has over 400 members in their Facebook group. It is made up of people from communities on both east and west sides of Kootenay Lake. The group was created in September 2019. They have also been in direct contact with the Kootenay Lake Ferry employees, to find a solution that works for everyone.

Megan Rokeby-Thomas of Our Ferry Matters says, “we’re going to ask the Ministry of Transportation to make their decision by Christmas. It’s a great win-win story for everybody. What a great Christmas present.”

Rokeby-Thomas joined CJLY. Listen to the story below: