The Queen of Burnaby, which services BC Ferries’ Comox–Powell River route, will undergo a major refit from Sept. 26 through mid-December.
During this time, the Queen of Chilliwack will replace the Queen of Burnaby, BC Ferries says in a news release.
The budget for this major project work is approximately $12 million and includes:
• Overhauling generators, engine and propulsion system;
• Modernizing the elevator system;
• Steel renewal;
• Installation of a new sewage treatment holding tank;
• Asbestos containing material abatement;
• New flooring in washrooms;
• Regulatory surveys and renewal of annual safety inspection certificate.
A modified schedule will be in place on the route from Sept.
26 through mid-December to accommodate the slower speed of the Queen of Chilliwack.
The first times below are when the Queen of Chilliwack will leave Little River and the second times are when it leaves Powell River:
5:30 a.m. — 7:45 a.m.
10 a.m. — 12:15 p.m.
2:30 p.m. — 4:45 p.m.
7 p.m. — 9:05 p.m.
The Queen of Chilliwack has a smaller vehicle and passenger capacity than the Queen of Burnaby, so overloads may occur. Thursday, Friday and Sunday are especially busy travel days.
Reservations are recommended at peak times.
Wherever possible, passengers are encouraged to carpool, travel outside of peak sailing times or arrive at the terminals early.
Due to the configuration of the Queen of Chilliwack, there is a possibility of restrictions of certain vehicle types at varying tidal heights.
Commercial customers are advised to contact the Customer Service Centre at 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779) to ensure that commercial vehicle dimensions fit the Queen of Chilliwack’s loading specifications.
Customers may also be directed to a different loading pattern during certain weather conditions and are asked to follow the directions of the crew. As part of the Queen of Chilliwack’s life extension project, new flood control doors have been installed, which divide the car deck into three compartments.
The Queen of Chilliwack will undergo the second half of its life extension project in January 2012.
— BC Ferries