After two months and $30 million worth of construction projects at local terminals, BC Ferries resumed regular operations Monday between Comox (Little River) and Powell River (Westview) and Powell River and Texada Island (Blubber Bay).
BC Ferries has just completed replacements and upgrades to the marine structures at Little River and Westview terminals including wingwalls, ramps, aprons, dolphins and new foot passenger waiting rooms to continue to provide safe and reliable service for another 40 years. The projects were on time and on budget.
“These were very large and complex projects to undertake, which required as much pre-fabrication as possible to minimize the service interruption,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice-president of engineering.
“Knowing that the alternative service would have a big impact on our customers, our team did a lot of consultation ahead of time with our local Ferry Advisory Committee, community leaders and members of the public. Through this process we received constructive input and feedback from ferry users, which ensured we had the best possible service in place during the dock closures.”
BC Ferries thanks its customers for their patience while alternate service was provided between Vancouver Island and Powell River, and Powell River and Texada Island.
Customer appreciation events will be held March 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westview terminal and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Little River terminal.
The next improvement for the Comox–Powell River route will be a brand new vessel to replace the 49-year old Queen of Burnaby. BC Ferries is planning to build three liquefied natural gas intermediate class ferries and one of these new ships will be deployed to the Powell River route. The vessel, capable of carrying 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew, will commence service in 2016.
— BC Ferries