Ferry and terminal work impacts Gulf Islands

The Salish Heron is on temporary assignment for the Swartz Bay – Southern Gulf Islands route until Friday, Feb. 20, according to BC Ferries, while the stalwart Queen of Cumberland finishes her annual refit.

The replacement Salish class vessel carries about 44 more vehicles than the 112-car-capacity Queen of Cumberland, and with passenger amenities including a larger cafe and gift shop, islanders can expect the milk run from Swartz Bay to feel a little more grand for the remainder of the refit period. 

Work on the 33-year-old Queen of Cumberland is routine and precautionary, according to BC Ferries, who did not anticipate any schedule changes resulting from the temporary switch.

Meanwhile, Mayne Island’s ferry terminal is operating with a single berth, and will be doing so for another three months, BC Ferries said, while “life extension work” takes place at Village Bay.

Berth 1 was closed Monday, Jan. 5 and will remain shut under construction through Sunday, March 1.

While the ferry company said construction activities will generally take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., some night work will be required during favourable tidal conditions. Exact dates will be communicated in advance, according to a service notice.

“Equipment used may generate moderate noise levels around the terminal,” read the notice. “However, every effort will be made to minimize any disturbance to nearby residents.”

During Berth 1’s closure, Berth 2 is open to support Southern Gulf Islands sailings, according to BC Ferries, with a revised schedule in effect meant to help minimize berth congestion at Village Bay. That revised schedule can be viewed on the bcferries.com website.

Mayne Island’s terminal work is happening concurrently with a similar project underway at Pender Island’s Otter Bay terminal, although BC Ferries said it has been timing construction there around scheduled sailings.