Letter from the Mayor to CEO of Harbour Air
To: Mr. Bert Van Den Stege, CEO
Re: Harbour Air Sunshine Coast Service
Sent: September 17, 2024
Dear Mr. Van Den Stege,
I am writing on behalf of the residents of Gibsons regarding the recent service cutbacks by Harbour Air. While we fully recognize that this is a private business decision and understand that operating such services in the current climate presents challenges, I’d like to express our community’s concern about the impact these reductions will have on our residents and the wider Sunshine Coast.
The connection Harbour Air provides is a vital link for many in our community, not only for convenience but for essential needs such as medical appointments, business operations, and travel to and from the mainland. Your service has been instrumental in offering a reliable alternative to the ferry system, which is already under significant strain, especially during off-peak months.
We encourage you to reconsider the decision to cut back, and to maintain your service for the Sunshine Coast. Our community can be very appreciative, and now that the risk of losing this service has become so clear, it may well be that we won’t take it for granted if it is revived, and knowing that you’ve been offering it to us at a loss, Coast residents may show you some loyalty and greater use of all your routes. In general, I believe we’re the kind of community that will reward any business that we know is going out on a limb for us (which could end up being someone else if it isn’t going to be Harbour Air).
Thank you for considering our community’s needs as you navigate these difficult decisions. We value Harbour Air’s role in keeping the Sunshine Coast connected and hope a solution can be found that works for both your company and our residents.
Sincerely,
Silas White
Mayor of Gibsons
