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Island Class Scheduling Engagement

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An Island Class ferry coming into dock in Campbell River.

We are getting ready to introduce four new Island class ships to our Campbell River - Quadra Island, and Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island routes in early 2022. With two new Island Class vessels slated to serve each route, we will be able to double the frequency of sailings during peak times, and significantly increase capacity overall on both routes. With more frequent service, wait times should also be reduced, mitigating congestion on local roads during peak times. To help us establish new schedules that support this improved service we invited feedback on proposed schedules. The results of this engagement can be found in the 'Documents' section of the page to the right, and the latest project updates can be found below.

The Island Class vessels are a critical part of our movement towards more sustainable operations and use some of the most advanced clean marine technology in the world. The vessels are designed for full electric operation in the future, once shore charging infrastructure and funding become available. Currently, they are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until that time. Introducing these ferries into local waters immediately reduces airborne emissions and underwater radiated noise, and offers a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for customers. You can learn more about the ships' features here.

We are getting ready to introduce four new Island class ships to our Campbell River - Quadra Island, and Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island routes in early 2022. With two new Island Class vessels slated to serve each route, we will be able to double the frequency of sailings during peak times, and significantly increase capacity overall on both routes. With more frequent service, wait times should also be reduced, mitigating congestion on local roads during peak times. To help us establish new schedules that support this improved service we invited feedback on proposed schedules. The results of this engagement can be found in the 'Documents' section of the page to the right, and the latest project updates can be found below.

The Island Class vessels are a critical part of our movement towards more sustainable operations and use some of the most advanced clean marine technology in the world. The vessels are designed for full electric operation in the future, once shore charging infrastructure and funding become available. Currently, they are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until that time. Introducing these ferries into local waters immediately reduces airborne emissions and underwater radiated noise, and offers a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for customers. You can learn more about the ships' features here.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island Proposed Schedule

    We're getting ready to introduce two new Island Class vessels on the Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island route in early 2022. Two-ship service for this route will be organized so that: 

    • One vessel will home port on Gabriola Island, meaning it will be tied up on Gabriola when not in service
    • The other vessel will home port in Nanaimo Harbour at a berth close to the terminal
    • One vessel will maintain the 17 hour service day you experience today
    • The second vessel will provide additional service during the peak travelling hours of the day starting at 7:30am 


    We have developed a proposed schedule for the new Island Class ships that provides two-ship service during the busiest times. Key features of the proposed schedule include: 

    • Up to 49% more capacity in peak times
    • Short breaks in the schedule in the morning and evening to provide crew on both vessels with their required meal breaks


    We want to ensure that the schedules we've proposed balance operational requirements with community needs and are asking for your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you.

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Campbell River - Quadra Island Proposed Schedule

    We're getting ready to introduce two new Island Class vessels on the Campbell River - Quadra Island route in early 2022. Two-ship service for this route will be organized so that: 

    • Both vessels will home port on Quadra Island, i.e. both will be tied up on Quadra when not in service
    • One vessel will maintain the 16 hour service day you experience today
    • The second vessel will provide additional service during the peak travelling hours of the day starting at 7:30am 


    We have developed a proposed schedule for the new Island Class ships that provides two-ship service during the busiest times. Key features of the proposed schedule include: 

    • Up to 59% more capacity in peak times
    • No changes to the Heriot Bay - Whaletown schedule 
    • Short breaks in the schedule in the morning and evening to provide crew on both vessels with their required meal breaks


    We want to ensure that the schedules we've proposed balance operational requirements with community needs and are asking for your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you.

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island)

    We look forward to welcoming you on

    Tuesday, April 6
    6:00 - 7:30pm
    via Webex

    In this meeting you will have an opportunity to: 

    • Learn more about the proposed schedule for increased service on the Nanaimo Harbour - Gabriola Island route
    • Ask questions of the project team
    • Provide your feedback on the proposed schedule


    Should you have any questions about this meeting, please email us at engagement@bcferries.com. We will send you a link to join the meeting the morning of the 6th.

    Thank you for your interest in the new Island Class schedules!

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Campbell River - Quadra Island)

    We look forward to welcoming you on

    Wednesday, April 7
    6:00 - 7:30pm
    via Webex

    In this meeting you will have an opportunity to: 

    • Learn more about the proposed schedule for increased service on the Campbell River - Quadra Island route
    • Ask questions of the project team
    • Provide your feedback on the proposed schedules


    Should you have any questions about this meeting, please email us at engagement@bcferries.com. We will send you a link to join the meeting the morning of the 7th.

    Thank you for your interest in the new Island Class schedules!

    Share RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Campbell River - Quadra Island) on Facebook Share RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Campbell River - Quadra Island) on Twitter Share RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Campbell River - Quadra Island) on Linkedin Email RSVP - Virtual Community Meeting (Campbell River - Quadra Island) link