BC Ferries has announced changes to service levels for sailings to and from the Southern Gulf Islands amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Friday, April 10th, service to the Southern Gulf Islands will be switched to a simplified schedule that supports the movement of essential goods to the islands while still providing some options for inter-island travel.
See also: BC Ferries will screen passengers for COVID-19 following new Transport Canada regulations
Sailings from Tsawwassen to Southern Gulf Island will use one ship, the Salish Raven, travelling back and forth between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, while stopping en route at Pender, Mayne, and Galiano islands.
Another vessel, the Queen of Cumberland, will offer service between Swartz Bay, Saturna, Mayne, Galiano, and Pender islands.
Meanwhile, Long Harbour terminal on Salt Spring Island will no longer be connected through the ferry system. Salt Spring Island will continue to be serviced by its other two routes: Swartz Bay – Fulford Harbour and Crofton – Vesuvius.
“We also want to remind the public that even though the Easter long weekend is approaching, this is not a time for leisure travel. We are asking British Columbians to travel if it is for essential reasons,” reads a statement from BC Ferries.
A full list of changes to the Southern Gulf Islands sailings can be found here.
These changes are in response to cuts in non-essential travel as mandated by Transport Canada.
Last week, the ferry service announced cancellations to multiple major sailing routes for 60 days. BC Ferries has laid off hundreds of staff members in order to implement these changes.
