To the editor,
Reading a recent story promoting the building of ferries in Canada brought back for me a variety of fond and not-so-fond memories from the turn of the century when BC Ferries contracted for two fast ferries, ultimately nicknamed the PacifiCats.
The PacifiCats were built in B.C. under the NDP government of the time.
I remember well the excitement about the new technologies and experience that would be acquired by B.C. shipyard companies and workers.
As an information systems contractor with BC Ferries at that time, I was privileged to be invited on one of the PacifiCat sea trials between Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay.
The vessel was pre-loaded with huge water bags, and performed high speed figure-eights during the transit. The vessel was beautifully equipped, and I had nothing but admiration for it. I still have the monogrammed vest that BC Ferries gifted to me at the time.
Unfortunately, however, within a year or two of high operating costs, public backlash, and political posturing, the following Liberal government cancelled the PacifiCat program and put the vessels up for sale at a minute fraction of their cost.
Before Canada jumps again into ferry-building (which I would not oppose in principle), I think any plan to do so should be considering not only its financial, technical and competitive feasibility, but also the sad history of the PacifiCats.
So much promise, so much disappointment, and so much waste.
John Bubb
Summerland
