Saturna Island Ferry Advisory Council

On Friday March 13th the SGIFAC met with BCF in Sidney to discuss numerous issues.

We began on Thursday March 12th petitioning BCF to review their below deck vehicle occupancy policy during the COVID-19 self isolation policy, in particular on passengers returning from overseas to the SGIs.  BCF has been working with Transport Canada to seek a temporary exemption. 

Yesterday Transport Canada issued guidance to BCF who in turn will comply with the guidance and will begin allowing passengers to remain in their vehicle.  I must underscore this is a temporary measure only.  BCF will be making formal announcement today, March 17th.

The summer schedule remains under review and will be formalized in the coming weeks.  The anticipated impact on Saturna residents will be minimal.

Schedules will continue to be printed for SGI routes.  The next schedule will cover April 1-30, then each subsequent schedule(s) time periods onwards.

The SIFAC continues to advocate for a TF(Through Fare) for daily Mon-Fri. 1:00 PM schedule sailing from Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay to connect with the 3:10 from Swartz Bay to Lyall.  As well a TF on the Sunday 1:00 or 2:00 to connect with the 4:10 Swartz Bay to Lyall.

We continue to advocate for better access for physically challenged or customers with limited mobility, especially on the Salish class Ferries.