Free Boaters Shuttle to Salt Spring's Upper Ganges Village Shopping Centre

This unique FREE service offers the convenience of picking Boaters up at their marina and bringing them to Upper Ganges Village Shopping Centre, with Country Grocer the largest grocery store of the Gulf Islands; an amply provisioned Liquor Store, a Pharmasave and Uptown Pizza. After shopping the Shuttle will return you to your marina! All this for FREE! Service is provided between 10 AM -6 PM, seven days a week. Just call for pick up or have your marina call 250-538-2398. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLWsfJXsKrg
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BC Ferries Launches Online Engagement for Swartz Bay

BC Ferries announced today the launch of an online engagement platform for community input to help shape future plans for Swartz Bay terminal. The online engagement effort is part of a broader community engagement program BC Ferries announced earlier in May, which includes meetings with key stakeholders and pop-up sessions at the terminal in late May and early June. This program runs through to fall 2018 and will gather community feedback to better understand the important role the terminal plays in communities’ and customers’ travel experience, and the regional transportation network. Following the pop up sessions and online engagement, BC Ferries will report back to the community on what we heard. The feedback provided through all engagement efforts will inform design concepts for the terminal, taking into account BC Ferries’ and the community’s collective needs. BC Ferries will come back to the community and customers with possible design options, and collect feed…
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Tour des Iles Festival - Explore Our Beautiful Islands

The Tour des Iles Festival (TDIF) is big and getting bigger – and we want you to be a part of it! Our Fourth Annual Festival is taking place June 22, 23, and 24, 2018. All day inter-island small boat service will connect you to Pender, Saturna, Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne Islands. Courtesy shuttles, with knowledgeable and friendly local drivers, will take passengers to island attractions, such as art galleries, markets, and natural wonders. Combining art, music, food, outdoor recreation and each island’s unique cultural activities, TDIF is the one of the fastest growing Festivals on the islands, and lets island residents and visitors alike see up close what makes the Southern Gulf Islands a world-renowned tourist destination. “This is a wonderful festival!” says Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich and the Southern Gulf Islands. “I can think of no better way than to celebrate in the natural beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. I hope to see you all there!” The annual Tour…
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Long Harbour Terminal Upgrade - Parking Lot Will Be Temporarily Closed

Please be advised that BC Ferries will have a contractor onsite at Long Harbour Terminal between Tuesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 8, 2018 to upgrade the drainage system. This work is not expected to affect sailing operations. Work will include excavation in the 48-hour customer parking lot, which must be vacant by Monday, February 5, 2018 to allow for setup. As construction vehicles will be operating at the terminal, customers are asked to follow the direction of staff and traffic control contractors. Equipment being used may increase the normal sound levels within the terminal between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. All efforts will be made to minimize noise. BC Ferries would like to thank our customers and neighbours for their understanding as we complete the necessary work.
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Video: Discover Yourself on Salt Spring Island!

Discover yourself on Salt Spring Island! We have so much to share from music to arts, farm to table bounty, ocean adventures, connection to nature and wellness. When can you get here?         .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }  
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BC Ferries Going Smoke and eCigarette Free

BC Ferries is pleased to advise customers that the company will be introducing a smoke - free environment in all BC Ferries locations, including terminals and vessels starting January 22, 2018 . This also includes the interior of all vehicles on BC Ferries property. “This new policy support s the health and wellness of our customers and our employees by reducing exposure to second - hand smoke ,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “ The policy aligns with other transportation services and ensures everyone using our services can breathe smoke - free air.” The new smoke - free policy applies to tobacco and any other substance including e-cigarettes, and is expected to reduce the number of complaints BC Ferries receives from customers related to second - hand smoke. BC Ferries will make regular announcements regarding the new policy on board the vessels and at the terminals, and will place signage on board the vessels and on shore as a reminder of th…
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Assistance with New Regulations Restricting Passengers From Closed Car Decks

Tomorrow marks the implementation of Transport Canada regulations that restrict passengers from remaining in their vehicles on closed car decks. BC Ferries understands this change impacts customers that need to remain in their vehicles. BC Ferries wants to help where possible. Customers needing to remain in their vehicles should identify themselves at the ticket booth when they arrive, so BC Ferries can try and accommodate their request. BC Ferries’ staff at the terminals and on board the vessels will assist customers wherever possible with the new policy to ensure a smooth implementation. On larger vessels that have both an upper and lower vehicle deck, customers will be able to remain in their vehicles on the upper vehicle deck only. For customers with special circumstances that need to remain in their vehicles on these vessels, BC Ferries recommends they arrive at the terminal early, so staff can make every effort to accommodate their request. “We recognize …
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CRD Land Purchase Connects Trincomali Heights with Dunbabin Park

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has purchased three lots totaling three acres (1.21 hectares) for park purposes off of Stark's Road on Salt Spring Island. The lots have been purchased through the Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) Park Land Acquisition Fund for $34,500. “The acquisition not only connects two trail networks but also expands Dunbabin Park to include large cedars and firs, making it a beautiful addition to our parks and trail system,” said Wayne McIntyre, CRD Electoral Area Director. Connecting Trincomali Heights with Dunbabin Park has been attempted multiple times since 2003, with staff and volunteers attempting to connect the Trincomali Heights trail to Starks Road through statutory right of ways. The lot purchase takes advantage of an opportunity to join two trail networks that were separated by private properties. With the land acquisition complete, PARC will work with surrounding residents and trail enthusiasts to develop a…
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BC Ferries To Ban Smoking on All Vessels and at All Terminals

BC Ferries announced today that as of January 22, 2018, the company will introduce a smoke-free environment on board all of its vessels and at its terminals. This coincides with National Non-Smoking Week, which runs from January 21 to 28, 2018. Last year, the Province amended regulations for no smoking buffer zones around any doorway, intake or open window to any public or workplace from three metres to six metres. Due to the physical space available from doors on the outer decks of BC Ferries’ large vessels and on the vehicle decks of smaller vessels, the new regulation means all vessels will need to become smoke-free environments. In reviewing our policy on smoking in remaining areas, BC Ferries is choosing to introduce a smoke-free environment on all BC Ferries properties, including vessels, terminals and other operations, to support the health and wellness of our passengers and employees. “BC Ferries made the decision to provide a smoke-free environment for th…
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BC Ferries - New Closed Vehicle Deck Space Regulations

On October 11, 2017, BC Ferries will harmonize its safety practices with Canadian ferry operators relating to Transport Canada regulations that prohibit passengers from remaining in their vehicle on any closed deck on a vessel that is underway. Since 2007, BC Ferries has been complying with Transport Canada regulations by maintaining a continuous car deck patrol. BC Ferries and Transport Canada recently re-examined the policy and in an effort to coordinate safety practices will change the application of the regulation. On larger vessels with both an upper and lower vehicle deck, customers will still be able to remain in their vehicles on the upper vehicle deck. Customers with special circumstances may make a request at the ticket booth to be placed on the upper vehicle deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request. “The regulations relate to safety, and the safety of our passengers and employees is a core value for BC Ferries,” said Cap…
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Salish Raven Enters Service Early - Queen of Nanaimo Out

BC Ferries’ newest vessel replaces Queen of Nanaimo starting Thurs., Aug 3 - BC Ferries announced today Salish Raven, the third of three new Salish Class ships will start service on the Tsawwassen - Southern Gulf Islands route on Thurs., Aug 3. Its inaugural sailing will depart Tsawwassen at 2:45 p.m. The company has worked diligently to fast track the ship into service to ensure smooth sailing for the remainder of the summer. “The 53-year old Queen of Nanaimo, which is set to retire from the BC Ferries’ fleet this fall, experienced a mechanical problem with the starboard controllable pitch propeller last week and repair plans continue for that the vessel,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “Engineers have been unable to determine the root cause of the problem with the Queen of Nanaimo as yet, so we are focusing our crew resources into getting the new ship, Salish Raven, into service sooner than we had originally planned.” Sa…
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Queen of Nanaimo Crew Rescues Seven After Mayday Call

Please be advised that the Queen of Nanaimo is currently operating 83 minutes behind schedule due to responding to a marine emergency. The vessel heard a Mayday distress call on their radio and aided in rescuing 7 people from a boat that ran aground. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of this sailing delay. We request customers with reservations to check in at the terminals in accordance with the scheduled sailing times to maintain their reserved status.
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BC Ferries Unveils Salish Raven Hull Wrap

Earlier this week at BC Ferries’ Richmond refit facility, the wrap adorning the hull of Salish Raven was unveiled to Musqueam First Nation’s Thomas Cannell, who designed the artwork that was revealed in February of this year. Coast Salish artist Thomas Cannell’s design depicts the beauty of the powerful, intelligent raven. His bold vision of this majestic bird certainly engages his audience with a new style of Coast Salish art. Salish Raven will enter service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route later this fall. The vessel recently completed a 10,440 nautical mile journey from Gdansk, Poland. It features two car decks and has a service speed of 15.5 knots, powered by three dual-fuel Wartsila 8L20DF engines.
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Vote: Is Salt Spring Island the Best Boating Destination in BC?

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Boating BC Association has identified 150 of the most scenic and picturesque boating locations that the province has to offer. Ranging from lakes and rivers on Vancouver Island to Northern BC and the Southern Interior, the 150 destinations listed encompass every region in the province and are only a snapshot of the thousands of lakes and rivers in beautiful British Columbia. Out of the list of 150, the number one boating destinations will be determined and unveiled through social media. Voters can cast their vote for the ‘Top Boating Destination in B.C.’ by participating in the online polls on Boating BC’s social media pages. “We are so excited to celebrate Canada’s 150th this year with our list of the most breathtaking boating locations,” said Boating BC President, Don Prittie. “There is no better way to see Canada than on a boat, and this year, we’re giving British Columbians the chance to determine which spot should be crow…
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Travel Alert: All Queen of Nanaimo Sailings Out of Long Harbour Cancelled

2017-06-28 Update as of 10:30 am: QUEEN OF NANAIMO RETURNS TO SERVICE - Tsawwassen - Southern Gulf Islands: BC Ferries is pleased to advise that repairs to the Queen of Nanaimo are complete and the vessel will return to service tomorrow on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route in advance of the Canada Day long weekend. BC Ferries would like to thank our customers for their patience during the service interruption. Last week, the Queen of Nanaimo was temporarily removed from service as one of the vessel’s controllable pitch propeller systems stopped responding correctly due to an unknown system failure. The fault proved difficult to locate as the system is a combination of pneumatic, mechanical and hydraulic components. The ship’s engineers, along with internal and external specialized technicians, methodically replaced key components and made adjustments to both hydraulic and pneumatic control systems to rectify the fault. The cause of the failure was not a single iss…
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Photos and Video: Take A Ride on the Brand New Long Harbour Ferry

BC Ferries welcomed its second Salish Class vessel, Salish Eagle, into service today with a small public event on board the 9:10 and 10:50 a.m. inaugural sailings from Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands and we were there to capture photos and videos to share with our Salt Spring community. President & CEO Mark Collins cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the first official car on board the new vessel. Salish Eagle is the second of three new Salish Class vessels that are dual-fuel and capable of operating on either natural gas or ultra-low sulphur marine diesel. BC Ferries’ use of natural gas for these vessels will result in the reduction of an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the same as taking approximately 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road annually. Passenger amenities on board Salish Eagle include: a Coastal Café; Passages Gift Shop; comfortable lounge seating with panoramic views; children’s play area; spacious outdoor seating on a…
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BC Ferries’ Salish Eagle Officially Begins Service

Queen of Nanaimo to continue providing service to Southern Gulf Islands until later this year - The second of BC Ferries’ three new vessels, Salish Eagle, will officially commence service on Wednesday, June 21, at 9:10 a.m. on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. Salish Eagle is the second of three new Salish Class vessels that are dual-fuel and capable of operating on either natural gas or ultra-low sulphur marine diesel. BC Ferries’ use of natural gas for these vessels will result in the reduction of an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the same as taking approximately 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road annually. “After the successful introduction of Salish Orca in mid-May, we are very excited to introduce our second new ship, Salish Eagle, into service for our Southern Gulf Islands customers,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “This vessel will provide our customers safe and reliable service for years to co…
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Jordan Templeman – 2017 Provincial Election – Candidate Profile

The next provincial general election in British Columbia is scheduled for May 9, 2017 and to help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding we’re sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for Jordan Templeman, who is running to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Saanich North and the Islands as an independent. Here’s a little background on Jordan: Jordan Templeman has lived on the Saanich Peninsula all his life. His parents own and operate a local Victoria business that has been running for over 25 years, at the same time his mother managed to homeschool him and his three siblings. He grew up playing in the peninsula soccer and baseball associations and went through the 1st Tsartlip scouts here in Sidney. Since high school Jordan has been attending Camosun Col…
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BC Ferries Unveils New Long Harbour Ferry Hull Wrap

Today at BC Ferries’ Richmond refit facility, the wrap adorning the hull of Salish Eagle was unveiled to Stz’uminus First Nation’s John Marston, who designed the artwork that was revealed last September. Coast Salish artist John Marston’s bold depiction of beautiful red eagles adorning the hull of the new vessel represents the strength and respect the eagle carries in First Nations culture. Marston’s work is strongly influenced by his ancestors and their masterpieces. Salish Eagle will enter service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route at the end of June. The vessel recently completed a 10,440 nautical mile journey from Gdansk, Poland. It features two car decks and has a service speed of 15.5 knots, powered by three dual-fuel Wartsila 8L20DF engines.
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Gary Holman – 2017 Provincial Election – Candidate Profile

The next provincial general election in British Columbia is scheduled for May 9, 2017 and to help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding we’re sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for Gary Holman, who is running to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Saanich North and the Islands with the BC NDP. Here’s a little background on Gary: I have two daughters, Amber and Eren, and a stepson, Owen. My wife Alicia and I consider ourselves so lucky to have been part of this vibrant Salt Spring Island community. I am economist by background and worked for over 25 years on projects such as the Nisga’a Treaty and a provincial land-use planning process that doubled park land in BC, both proud legacies of BC NDP governments. I became involved in the local and regiona…
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New Long Harbour / Gulf Islands Ferry 'Salish Eagle' Arrives in BC

Salish Eagle, BC Ferries newest vessel is arriving in B.C. today. The vessel took 38 days to travel 10,440 nautical miles from Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland. This ship will make its way to Ogden Point in Victoria, where the public can take exterior photos of the vessel today. Once Salish Eagle clears Canadian Customs and final inspections are complete, the vessel will be officially handed over to BC Ferries. On Tuesday, March 21, the ship will proceed to BC Ferries’ refit facility in Richmond to prepare for operational service. The vessel will move to Tsawwassen terminal in mid-April for crew training and familiarization, and to continue to ready the ship for regular operation. “We are proud to welcome Salish Eagle, our second natural gas-fuelled ship, home to B.C. and into our fleet,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “The Salish Class are well built vessels that will help reduce our environmental footprint and our operating cos…
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