BC Ferries restarts recreational travel after ban on non-essential trips
BC Ferries says it's excited to reopen its vessels to recreational travellers as B.C. transitions into Step 2 of its recovery plan.
Since late April, BC Ferries has been monitoring for non-essential travellers along routes that cross health authority boundaries as per provincial health orders.
But now travel within the province has been OK'd by health officials beginning June 15, as part of Step 2 of B.C.'s recovery plan.
"The end of travel restrictions marks a key milestone in tackling COVID-19 and we are thrilled it means we can welcome everyone back on board," said Mark Collins, BC Ferries president and CEO in a release Monday.
"Our teams are ready to welcome back recreational travellers on all of our routes."
Starting Tuesday, BC Ferries customers will no longer be asked if they are travelling for essential reasons on the following routes:
- Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay
- Tsawwassen – Duke Point
- Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands
- Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay
- Comox – Powell River
- Port Hardy – Prince Rupert
BC Ferries says it will also be increasing the number of sailings it offers during the summer, when demand is expected to be higher.
While more sailings are being added, maximum capacity aboard BC Ferries vessels is still reduced, as required by Transport Canada.
BC Ferries adds that masks are now considered optional at outdoor sections of ferry terminals. Masks are still required in indoor areas of ferry terminals, as well as onboard vessels.
Health officials announced that Step 2 of B.C.'s recovery plan would begin on Tuesday at a live briefing Monday morning. In addition to opening up travel within the province, Step 2 includes restarting organized indoor social gatherings, such as events at dining halls or movie theatres, and allows for outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people.
Indoor worship services can also restart in a limited capacity, and liquor can be served at bars and restaurants until midnight, up from the current 10 p.m. limit.
Further details on Step 2 of the province's reopening plan can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
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.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.