Ripple effect sparks Texada protest against BC Ferries

Monday, February 13, 2012 - 1:33 PM
By Jennifer Faerber
Courtenay

Ripples of inconvenience keep spreading from the Queen of Burnaby's breakdown.

Now residents of Texada are protesting because they've lost three daily round-trip services to Powell River.

"We did see a protest of about 22 individuals from Texada on the Tachek this morning," says Deborah Marshall from BC Ferries. "They delayed the loading of the vessel at Texada then the unloading of the ship at Powell River."

As of Monday, February 13, the three Texada services have been cut to free up the MV Tachek, which is now doing two extra round-trip services between Powell River and Comox, to help with the overwhelming passenger load on that run.

Texada residents would be feeling hard done by, firstly losing the North Island Princess to the Comox route, then losing the replacement Tachek for part of the day as well.

"We certainly understand their concerns," says Marshall of the Texada residents, "but we'd hope that they would have a bit of patience with us. We are trying to provide the best possible service to all our customers."

Water taxi services are being provided between Texada and Powell River during the hours the Tachek is servicing Comox.

 

Monday morning's protest on the Tachek delayed one of its sailings between Powell River and Comox by 26 minutes, but the extra services are helping ease congestion. The daily charter flight is also making a difference.

"We had some issues with fog on Friday, but aside from that the flights are going well," says Marshall. "As of this morning we've transported 107 passengers via the flights so we're glad to be able to ensure people are getting to their important medical appointments."

A seat on the plane costs the same as a regular BC Ferries ticket, with first priority for medical travel. The plane is flying once per day from Powell River to Comox and back. Bookings can be made by calling 1-877-222-1949.

The return of the Queen of Burnaby is the key to easing the concerns of people in Texada, Powell River and Comox. It would mean the North Island Princess can go back to servicing Texada-Powell River and the Tachek and the charter flight won't be needed at all.

The Queen of Burnaby went into dry-dock on Sunday, which was the earliest available space. It's propellor hub is being examined and repaired, with expectations it won't be back in action until the Friday, February 17, at the earliest.

 

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