BC Ferries is hoping for smooth sailing for the majority of its fleet amid disruptions on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

busy weekend

BC Ferries hopeful for no cancellations for Nanaimo area travellers

Jun 29, 2023 | 4:10 PM

NANAIMO — While reduced service is hampering the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route this long weekend, BC Ferries is hopeful it can stick to its existing schedule elsewhere, including service in and out of Nanaimo.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said in what is expected to be one of their busiest weekends of the year, extra staff are in place, including at their Nanaimo terminals.

“We do have everybody in place for the weekend, if there was a last-minute cancellation we would notify our customers via website and Twitter,” Marshall told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Marshall noted traffic is expected to be heavy coming to Nanaimo from both Lower Mainland terminals on Thursday and Friday, while demand is expected to surge going the other way on the holiday Monday.

Two vessels are currently operating eight daily round trips on the Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay schedule, while three boats are assigned to the Duke Point-Tsawwassen run providing 10 daily round trips.

Throwing Strikes

Nanaimo five pin bowlers from Brechin Lanes post strong results

12h ago

spring cleaning

Yard waste fundraiser benefits invaluable Nanaimo non-profit

16h ago

bright night sky

High likelihood of Aurora Borealis sightings across Nanaimo & Oceanside

May 10, 2024

Despite more than 1,000 hires for a range of positions in time for the busy summer season, Marshall said there will be disruptions.

“We will see the occasional cancellation here and there and that can affect the minor routes as well. We just don’t have the resiliency that we used to have as far as backup staff.”

Retirements and a global shortage of professional mariners are particular concerns for BC Ferries.

Unexpected issues with the Coastal Celebration led to eight sailing cancellations daily between June 28 and July 3.

As of the afternoon of Thursday, June 29 BC Ferries has travel advisories in place warning customers of heavy demand on its major south coast terminals and to the Sunshine Coast and southern Gulf Islands.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW