Support the Bridge-It Ferry

Here's the letter I've sent (in case you need ideas). A letter sent by mail is logged by the Clerk...an e-mail is not. Please consider sending a "real" letter. Dear Councilor Timms, Re: Bridge-It Ferry As a new resident of Niagara and a long-time cyclist, I am writing to tell you how pleased I have been to see the many initiatives supporting cycling in the Region. In particular, I was excited to take my first trip on the Bridge-It Ferry a few weeks ago. What a great idea! On the day I used the ferry, I saw numerous cyclists on the recreation trail, many of whom appeared to use the ferry. I believe the ferry must be a key part of both the outdoor recreation and physical activity plans of the region, as well as an asset to your tourism strategy. I want to congratulate you, the Region and Thorold on supporting this initiative. No doubt there are costs to maintaining this service. I want to let you know that I, and the cyclists who crossed with me, agreed that we would be happy to pay $1 or $2 per crossing. While that might not defray all the costs, it could be a way of showing the support of cyclists in the Region for this service. (Of course I am more than happy that it is currently free!) Thank you for your support of the Bridge-It Ferry,

Rachel and I totally agree with Loonie or Twoonie to cross. Initially it could be a "donation" if someone was unaware and forgot to bring money. Lately I have seen two attendants. Is this necessary? With a little creativity this could work. Not sure what the costs are or how many take the ferry but let's keep this ferry in action. It is all about awareness and education of this unique mini-ferry. Contact Niagara Regional Councillor Bruce Timms : brucetimms@yahoo.com and give your thoughts.Timms is a proponent of the trail.

Thanks Paul for the information about the letter. That is an excellent suggestion and seems like it would be most impactful.

Here's the reply I received dated August 28 from Thorold Mayor Ted Luciani. Send a (snail mail) note- collect your own autographs from local civic leaders! (PS Mayor Luciani's cc list is useful for future correspondence.) "Dear Mr. Jurbala Re: Your letter supporting the Bridge-It Ferry in Port Robinson Thank you for your letter supporting the Bridge-It ferry on the Welland Canal Parkway bicycling pathway. It is great to hear positive feedback on the efforts we are making to accommodate active transportation and recreational activities in the City of Thorold and Niagara Region. We appreciate your willingness to pay for the service. As it lies in the City of Thorold we consider it a community service and would like to provide the service for free for as long as we can manage. It is good to hear that you are enjoying your new residency in Niagara and I hope that you will continue to explore our beautiful peninsula. Yours truly, A.T. (Ted) Luciani, Mayor cc. Henry D'Angela, Regional Councillor; Sue Morin, Venture Niagara; Manoj Dilwaria, CAO"