Bowen Island Community Page

This spring and summer we’re getting back out with our Ferry Advisory Committees and the communities we serve. With a focus on resetting conversations, we’ll be looking at what we’ve heard from FACs and communities over the past two years. We’ll work together to:

• Review the list of feedback we’ve received from each community
• Prioritize the feedback we can action
• Establish criteria that will help a new Community Prioritization Panel make recommendations about what’s most important across the ferry system

This work will result in a prioritized list of action items for each community. From there, a Community Prioritization Panel (CPP) will work to consolidate these items into a prioritized list for the whole BC Ferries system.

All FAC chairs have been invited to participate in the CPP and the panel will deliver a final public report by October 31, 2024. This report will help guide how BC Ferries reviews and makes decisions on changes needed to improve service and experience for customers, and also help inform long-term decisions that align with the ongoing Charting the Course vision process.

Timelines

• May: Virtual meetings with all Ferry Advisory Committees
• June/July: In-person community workshops

Dates and details for community workshops will be posted to this page shortly.

New Safety and Security Measures

In order to create a safe and respectful environment for all, BC Ferries has implemented changes based on recommendations made in its safety review, including:

• Establishing safety and security policies for public events that align with WorkSafe BC requirements.
• Rolling out a new mandatory respectful workplace policy and training across the company, including training in Prevention of Violence in the Workplace for all BC Ferries representatives who will take part in community events.
• Establishing plans and templates to support safety and security assessments in advance of FAC and community meetings.
• Establishing new processes for public events, including the request for participants to RSVP ahead of time, new sign-in requirements, and a new Code of Conduct that will apply to all public events. We’ll provide more information on what you can expect to see at events in an upcoming post to this page.
• Updating the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct to ensure the correct foundations are in place to support a mutually respectful and productive relationship with FACs.

Stay Informed

We’ll be providing updates to this page in the coming weeks, click the ‘Stay Informed’ icon on the right hand side of the page to receive updates to your email inbox.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The BC Ferries Community Relations Team

Over the last two months, teams have successfully completed a number of key elements of the Snug Cove terminal project including strengthening structural elements, creating safer walkways, and restoring damaged concrete, among other enhancements. While much of the work has been smooth and on target, the slower start due to snowfall early in the year has resulted in a necessary extension of the project until April 7.

Sailing schedules will continue to be amended Tuesday - Sunday, with no change to Monday's schedule up to and including, March 27. All current supports for travellers, including complimentary water taxi and shuttle service, will remain in place for this time period.

Full service on current modified schedule will resume on March 28 to April 4 to support Easter travel, with additional schedule modifications April 5 and 7, and one last berth closure on April 6. Dates and details are as follows:

Full service to support holiday weekend travel: March 28 – April 4, 2024

• Full service will resume between March 28 – April 4, 2024
• Regular vessel (Queen of Capilano) will provide service as per the online schedule
• No water taxi or shuttle service available over these dates

Modified schedule (April 5 & 7) and full-day berth closure (April 6)

• April 5: 10:30 pm from HSB and 11:00 pm from Snug Cove sailings cancelled – Water Taxi service available for cancelled sailings
• April 6: Full day berth closure – Water Taxi foot passenger service only
• April 7: 5:50 am from HSB and 6:20 am from Snug Cove sailing cancelled – Water Taxi service available for cancelled sailings

Return to regular schedule and service: April 8, 2024

• April 8, 2024 – Full regular schedule and service reinstated. Construction complete.

Schedules can be found at www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/seasonal/HSB-BOW, on the BC Ferries App and on the printable schedule on the right-hand side of this page. Please plan ahead for your travel during this time.

To read more about water taxi, shuttle service or parking options, visit the FAQ on the right-hand side of the Project Page.

Full-Day Berth Closure March 9, 2024

Bowen Island travellers can expect water taxi-only service on Saturday, March 9, 2024 to allow for required work at the Snug Cove terminal (Bowen Island). This work is part of the Snug Cove Marine Structures project taking place now until early April.

We have carefully chosen days for this work based on consultation with the community and historical data indicating reduced traffic volumes. Our goal is to mitigate the impact on those who rely on ferry service for access to work, school, and medical appointments.

As service will not be available for vehicles, complimentary water taxi-only service will be provided, along with complimentary shuttle service on Bowen Island between the terminal, the Royal Canadian Legion (1265 Scarborough Road) and the Transit Park & Ride location (1421 Adams Road).

Water taxis will run at scheduled sailing times, and will provide service as needed to help ensure you get to your destination. For more details on alternate service, shuttle schedules and parking, please visit the project page at: bcferriesprojects.ca/snug-cove-tp

If you choose to leave your vehicle in Horseshoe Bay overnight, complimentary parking will be available during the full-day berth closure. Details for reimbursement can be found in the FAQ on the right-hand side of this page.

If you live near the terminals, there’s a chance of increased noise levels. Our construction contractors will do everything possible to mitigate noise impacts for our neighbours.

Despite our best efforts, we recognize some customers will be impacted when travelling on this route, and we thank the community in advance for your patience as we complete this crucial work.

For up-to-date sailing and departure information, visit bcferries.com or follow @BCFerries on X.

Jan 8, 2024 - end of March 2024

The marine structures life extension project at Snug Cove terminal will begin on January 8 and carry on until the end of March 2024. This essential work is required as part of our commitment to ensure safe and reliable operations. All information on alternative services and modified schedules can be found here, or read on to find a more condensed version of key information:

Project overview

• Work will occur from January 8 to the end of March 2024
• No work will be completed over long weekends
• Most work will occur overnight to limit service disruptions
• A modified schedule and four full-day berth closures will be required during the project

Sailing schedules

As part of the Snug Cove terminal project work, daily service between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island will be modified, including no vehicle service on three select weekends. The modified schedule can be found here: Modified Schedule beginning January 8 and on the BC Ferries App. A printable version with water taxi and shuttle bus schedule can be found here: Printable Route 8 Schedule - January 8 - March 27, 2024

Water taxi information:

Complimentary water taxi service will be provided for all daily cancellations and full-day berth closures. The water taxi sailings will run in place of cancelled sailings and are noted on the printable schedule, or can be viewed in the FAQs, found on the right-hand side.

Two water taxis will be in operation during all construction-related sailing cancellations

• The primary vessel can carry 40 passengers and the secondary can carry 12 passengers
• Wheelchairs and bicycles can be transported onboard the primary (40-passenger) water taxi
• All water taxi sailings are complimentary
• Tickets are not required for water taxis
• Horseshoe Bay terminal staff are available to direct passengers and answer questions

Berth Closures

Berth closures will occur over three weekends across the project timeline. As service will not be available for vehicles, complimentary water taxi-only service will be provided, along with complimentary shuttle bus service on Bowen Island between the terminal and the Transit Park & ride location (1421 Adams Road) on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 20
• Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4
• Saturday, March 9

Complimentary transportation during cancellations

• Complimentary shuttle service is available on Bowen Island during all evening cancellations
• The shuttle bus is available in both directions from Snug Cove (Library) water taxi to the Transit Park & Ride at 1421 Adams Road
• The shuttle bus service schedule can be found on the printable schedule page here.

Parking

Throughout the terminal construction project, a discounted and complimentary daily parking rate is available at the surface parking lot and the parkade at Horseshoe Bay.

Discounted parking: Available throughout the project. To receive the discounted parking rate, please visit the ticket meter and scroll through the screen to find the Bowen Island section. Please note, the discounted rate is not available on the website or mobile app.

Complimentary parking: Complimentary parking will be available during full-day berth closures. Customers are to purchase their parking ticket after parking their vehicle in the surface lot or parkade and provide proof of receipt to a Customer Service Agent at the terminal for reimbursement. For additional details please see the FAQ on the right-hand side of the project page.

Staying informed:

Service notices, social media ads, posters and media advisories will be available throughout the project to inform and remind those travelling of upcoming schedule changes.

For updates

• Subscribe to the project page on the right-hand side of the project page
• Subscribe to Service Notices for updates here

For general information

• Check our FAQs on the right-hand side of the page
• Contact our Customer Care team (1-888-223-3779)

As part of our commitment to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our terminal facilities, BC Ferries will be completing a marine life extension project at Snug Cove to maintain safe and reliable operations on this critical route. This work will occur from January 8 to end of March 2024. No work will be completed over long weekends.

We are making every effort to minimize disruption of service through this time, with most of the work planned to occur overnight. However, a modified schedule and three berth closures will be required over the course of the project to enable construction work to be completed.

Sailing schedules

Sailing schedules will be amended Tuesday - Sunday, with no cancellations to Monday’s schedule. The modified schedules can be found here: Modified Schedule beginning January 8 and on the BC Ferries App.

To view a printable version visit our Project Information on the right-hand side or by clicking the link below.

Printable Route 8 Schedule - January 8 - March 27, 2024*

*Please note, this schedule is current as of the date noted.

How the modified schedule was built

During our engagements with the community, both in person and online, we asked which sailings the community would prefer to be cancelled (the first and last, or the last two) and feedback indicated an almost 50% split in preference.

Regarding sailings, we heard that:

• Cancelling the first sailing would impact people’s ability to get to work and could create congestion throughout the morning
• Evening sailings require a later sailing to allow travellers to get home from shift work or activities
• Mondays are important travel days and should remain untouched if possible

To accommodate these concerns and traffic patterns, our teams created a modified schedule that includes:

• A regular Monday schedule
• Tuesday-Friday and Sunday with evening cancellations only
• Saturdays with first and last sailing cancellations
• Evening sailings pushed back by 20-30 mins to provide later option for commuters prior to cancelled sailings

Berth Closures

Berth closures will occur over three weekends across the project timeline. As service will not be available for vehicles, complimentary water taxi-only service will be provided, along with complimentary shuttle bus service on Bowen Island between the terminal and the Transit Park & ride location (1421 Adams Road) on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 20
• Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4
• Saturday, March 9

Alternate service and mitigations

During sailing cancellations and closures, mitigation measures and alternate service have been arranged. These include:

Water Taxi:

• Complimentary water taxi service will be provided for all daily cancellations and full berth closures. The water taxi sailings will run as scheduled, with discretionary sailings as required.
• This includes a 40-passenger (primary) and 12-passenger (secondary) water taxi.
• The primary water taxi is wheelchair accessible and can also accommodate bicycles on board.
• Tickets will not be required, and passengers do not need to check in at the terminal ahead of the water taxis
• Staff will be available at the terminal to help direct passengers and answer questions

Transportation and Parking:

• Complimentary shuttle service from Snug Cove water taxi to transit park & ride location (1421 Adams Road) to coincide with water taxi sailings as noted on the printable schedule.
• Discounted daily parking: Discounted daily parking at the BC Ferries parking lots in Horseshoe Bay will be available ($10 per 24 hrs throughout the project). To receive the discounted parking rate, please visit the ticket meter and scroll through the screen to find the Bowen Island section. Please note, the discounted rate is not available on the website or mobile app.
• Complimentary parking: Complimentary parking will be available during full-day berth closures. Customers are to purchase their parking ticket after parking their vehicle in the surface lot or parkade and provide proof of receipt to a Terminal Customer Service Agent at the terminal for reimbursement. For more information, please visit the FAQ on the project page.

Staying informed and up to date:

In the coming weeks, you will see service notices, social media ads, posters and media advisories informing those travelling on the route of upcoming schedule changes. We will also be providing updates and reminders throughout the project to ensure the community is kept informed. To receive these updates, subscribe to the project page by clicking the link on the right-hand side of the project page.

To learn more, check out our FAQs on the right-hand side of the project page.

For general customer questions please reach out to our Customer Care team (1-888-223-3779)

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback and to our neighbours and passengers, for their patience as we complete this necessary work.

Now is the time to shape the vision of the coastal ferry service in BC.

Transportation, transit and ferry systems around the world are under pressure resulting from the pandemic, population growth, climate change, inflation and other factors. BC’s coastal ferry system is no exception, and BC Ferries is responding with actions to address current operational issues. We are also embarking on a long-term transformative journey to reshape our coastal ferry services in response to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

We invite you to participate in Charting the Course, an initiative that aims to define what is needed to keep people, goods, and services in coastal communities connected and moving through to 2050 and beyond.

Hearing from you is an important part of this initiative to help us build a more sustainable and resilient ferry system. The first phase of engagement is open until November 28. Learn more and participate here: https://www.bcferriesprojects.ca/bc-ferries-charting-the-course

Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island

November 20 – 24, 2023

The elevator on the Queen of Capilano will be out of service beginning Monday, November 20 to Friday, November 24 to preform necessary repairs to the elevator door. Access to the passenger areas, including the Coastal Café Express, are limited to the stairs only. An accessible portable washroom will be available for use on the vehicle deck during this time.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these required repairs.

For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our @BCFerries X Account or visit bcferries.com.

In September 2023, we advised the community of the next steps in the Snug Cove Marine Life Extension project, which was expected to begin in October 2023.

After listening to the community's feedback at both the in-person workshop (September 8, 2023) and the online engagement (September 19 - October 10), we understand and acknowledge that providing the community more time to plan for any disruptions to service and avoiding any disruption over the holidays is preferred.

As a result of this feedback, we have made the decision to postpone the Snug Cove Life Extension project to January 2024.

We will continue to update the community on the next steps for this project and please continue to visit here for further updates.

We Need Your Input

We’re upgrading the berth and marine structures at Snug Cove to keep ferries running safely and efficiently. Construction will require some sailing cancellations and berth closures and we’re asking for your help in planning for these service disruptions.

Project Overview

Work is slated to begin in November 2023 and continue until February 2024. Work will include steel reinforcement, replacement of mechanical items, and minor repair to the wingwalls and dolphins. In order to complete the work, sailing cancellations and berth closures will be necessary. We've held early meetings with key stakeholders, including Bowen Island Municipality to help us in planning to mitigate the impact of this work on the community. So far, this includes:

1. Work is planned during the off-peak travel period (November - February).
2. Work will be stopped over the holidays, to ensure holiday travel plans are not impacted.
3. Most work will happen overnight (9:00pm - 5:00am) to minimize service disruptions.
4. The regular schedule will be maintained one day each week.

We need your help now to complete the planning process. To learn more and provide your feedback, click here.

On August 24, beginning at approximately 8:00am, filming will be taking place on route 8, between Bowen Island and Horseshoe Bay. The filming is expected to take one day to complete and there will be no impact to service during the day. Film crew will be travelling as foot passengers only, all vehicle spots will remain available to passengers travelling the route. In addition, there will be no filming of any passengers.