Urgent: Smaller B.C. Ferries Vessel Sparks Outrage on Vancouver Island

UPDATE: The recent deployment of the smaller Quadra Queen II on the key B.C. Ferries route serving north Vancouver Island has triggered a wave of anger among local residents. Frustrated commuters express concerns over the vessel’s capacity to handle the demands of Port McNeill, Alert Bay, and Sointula, small yet interconnected communities over 360 kilometers from Victoria.

Local leaders, including ’Namgis First Nation elected Coun. Ernest Alfred, report rising tensions as the situation worsens. “People are really frustrated,” Alfred stated, highlighting that the Quadra Queen II can only accommodate 26 vehicles, compared to the Island Aurora’s capacity of 47. “We’ve seen tensions rise and folks are getting upset.”

The change occurred in mid-October, when B.C. Ferries replaced the regular vessel to accommodate repairs and renovations on other routes. This temporary swap has left commuters with an unreliable service that lacks a reservation system, complicating travel for those who depend on the ferry for work and medical appointments.

B.C. Ferries acknowledges the strain on residents but insists the change is necessary due to system-wide constraints during the fall refit season. A spokesperson stated, “We know this doesn’t make the situation any easier for the communities that rely on this route every day.” They emphasized that the Island Aurora is currently operating on the Campbell River-Quadra Island route, which sees significantly higher traffic.

Local youth worker Emily Garriott expressed her exasperation, stating she has often had to leave her vehicle behind and board the ferry as a walk-on passenger. “It’s just a clear disrespect to isolated northern communities. We have jobs. We have lives,” she said.

Residents are calling for B.C. Ferries to reconsider the deployment of larger vessels from less congested routes to better serve their needs. Alfred and Port McNeill Mayor James Furney have voiced their frustrations, claiming their suggestions have been ignored. “We holler as loud as we can, but we don’t really get heard,” Furney lamented.

With the fall season marking peak potlatch gatherings among Indigenous communities and the winter holidays approaching, the urgency for reliable ferry service is more pronounced than ever. B.C. Ferries assures that this disruption will not continue into the future, as new island-class vessels are expected to alleviate the pressure by providing a dedicated relief vessel.

As the situation develops, residents remain hopeful for changes that will enhance their transportation options. The impact of these disruptions is profound, affecting not only daily commutes but also essential social and economic connections within these communities.

Residents are urged to stay tuned for updates as B.C. Ferries continues to navigate these challenges during the busy refit season.