BC Ferries considers route changes for Gulf Islands
BC Ferries is currently in the process of updating its sailing routes to and from the Southern Gulf Islands as additional ferries are added to the company's fleet.
BC Ferries is replacing an existing ferry that services the Southern Gulf Islands with a new Salish-class vessel, which is larger than the current Mayne Queen ferry.
Besides increasing capacity, the company says it is looking to update its schedules for the region based on feedback from the community as the new ferry enters service.
Between Feb. 16 and March 16, BC Ferries reviewed the input of more than 2,500 people who provided feedback on possible route changes.
While each response was unique, BC Ferries says the most common themes included increasing travel options to Southern Gulf Islands from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay – mostly for day trips, tourism, commuter needs, and part-time residential needs.
Out of the thousands of respondents, nearly 60 per cent identified themselves as full-time residents of a Southern Gulf Island, while roughly 40 per cent were either part-time residents or visitors, according to BC Ferries.
"We appreciate the input we received from the communities as it is very important to hear from those who rely on our service," said Brian Anderson, BC Ferries vice president of strategy and community engagement in a release Wednesday.
"The Southern Gulf Islands is our most complex scheduling region, and we will continue to work closely with our Ferry Advisory Committees and Southern Gulf Island communities to explore how best to meet the needs of all five islands and many different user groups," he said.
BC Ferries estimates that it will have its updated ferry schedules completed by the end of 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.