6319 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

It’s a bit of a balancing act, I think. Somewhat frequent ferry service especially in the summer creates tourism opportunities too.

[Matt R.]

But I shouldn't have to.

Yes you should.

[Victoria Watcher]

“BC Ferries has heard the requests from Hornby Islanders for a larger vessel on the route and we understand the strong desire for an increase in service. We realize there is a need for more capacity on this route at peak times, as well as a number of other routes throughout the ferry system,” the company said.

“For the Denman Island – Hornby Island route, we are planning to deploy a larger vessel in the peak season starting as early as next summer. The MV Quinitsa, which carries approximately 44 vehicles, will replace the current vessel, the MV Kahloke, which carries approximately 21 vehicles in the summer months.”

_______

But Hornby residents say a larger vessel in the peak season isn’t enough, reiterating the need is year-round. They also want a new ferry like many other Gulf Islands are getting.

https://www.cheknews...-mount-1115675/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 22 November 2022 - 01:28 PM.

[lanforod]

Threaten them with a bridge. That'll shut em up.

[Sparky]

I get a kick out of people that locate themselves on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean and then complain that government supplied transportation is not up to their standards.

Two questions.
1- Where did they come from?
2-What did they think was going to happen?

[Matt R.]

I don't love sitting in ferry lineups but they are great for business, my perspective is a little skewed!!  I never feel like I'm waiting in a lineup to get off SSI, I make sure to arrive early and can always find a little productive work to keep me occupied until it's time to go or get a coffee or a meal or sit in my car and get some peace and quiet.  

[Sparky]

^ We use the Brentwood Mill Bay Ferry a lot. We try and get there early but we don’t mind sitting for a missed sailing by reading, on line catch up or just having a nap.

It’s mind over matter. If you don’t mind it don’t matter.

[Victoria Watcher]

B.C. Ferries is preparing to order up to four new Island-class ferries to help alleviate pressure on busy inter-island routes.

 

On Wednesday, the company issued a request for pre-qualifications so that B.C. Ferries can create a short list of shipyards. Yards have until Dec. 22 to respond.

 

“As per our usual practice, the RFPQ will be open to British Columbian, national and international companies,” said B.C. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall.

The capital plan calls for the new ferries to enter service from 2024 to 2028, she said.

 

This call-out to shipyards comes as Gulf Islands communities are crying out for more capacity on ferries.

 

 

https://www.timescol...ferries-6149904

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 24 November 2022 - 05:45 AM.

[Mike K.]

If you need to get off the Island via ferry, you’ve got 25 minutes out of Swartz Bay.

Tuesday’s cancelled sailings as of 12:30PM are:

Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay: 3PM, 5PM, 7PM, 9PM

Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen: 3PM, 5PM, 7PM, 9PM

Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo): 3:15PM, 5:45PM, 8:15PM, 10:45PM

Duke Point (Nanaimo) to Tsawwassen: 3:15PM, 5:45PM, 8:15PM, 10:45PM

Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): 3:20PM, 5:55PM, 8:45PM

Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay: 3:20PM, 5:55PM, 8:45PM

Tsawwassen to Southern Gulf Islands: 7:10PM

Please check your ferry route schedule ahead of travel today as additional cancellations may be announced.

[Victoria Watcher]

Lame.

[Matt R.]

Rough water and heavy snow east of active pass. It’s tamer on the Victoria side.

[Nparker]

Wind has picked up in the past hour in downtown Victoria.

Edited by Nparker, 29 November 2022 - 02:45 PM.

[Matt R.]

Great to see the adult bevs back on the big boat. Nice little selection of quality BC
product as well.

[Nparker]

Looks like someone might have already consumed a few. 

[Matt R.]

Yeah, this forum software is drunk as usual.

[Nparker]

Agreed. VV is a lightweight.

[Victoria Watcher]

Best deal on the entire ferry system.



B.C. Ferries’ Seawest Lounge — a haven for some ferry travellers — has reopened after being shut down due to the pandemic.

That’s welcome news for its fans, who are happy to shell out $14 to sit in extra-comfy seats (spaced apart) and relax or work during the crossing between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.

One writer enthused on Twitter: “I’ve never been so excited to give @BCFerries my money.”

The Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island are the only ferries with the lounge.

https://www.timescol...closure-6188103

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 December 2022 - 12:17 AM.

[Matt R.]

Oh yah this is great!

On the way over on Monday I overheard two of the retail clerks complaining about work, one of them specifically about how much time it took to arrange the cheese and crackers for the lounge.

[Victoria Watcher]

I'm not even sure if there are crackers.   There is cake (bread?) slices.  Two colours of cheddar.  All the coffee and juice you like.  Maybe mike too?

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 December 2022 - 01:13 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 December 2022 - 01:16 AM.