Travel & Transportation

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

RCMP Seek Public's Assistance in Locating Missing Man

Salt Spring Island RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing man last seen on March 15, 2017 at 2 pm in the area of Suneagle Drive on Salt Spring Island. Andrew Norman DeMarsh, 36, is described as a caucasian man, 6'3", 186 lbs, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Investigators are seeking information from BC Ferries passengers departing Salt Spring Island from any terminal on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (March 15-17). It is believed that Andrew would have boarded as a foot passenger, if he left Salt Spring Island via BC Ferries. Salt Spring RCMP currently have support from RCMP West Coast Marine Section, RCMP Air Services, Royal Marine Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Canada, and Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue. "All available resources for land, air and water based searches are engaged and currently supporting local officers in their search for Andrew DeMarsh", states Cpl. Darren Lagan with the Salt Spring Island RCMP. "Anyone with information …

People Profile: Meet Christine Steffich, Pharmacy Manager

How long have you been working at Pharmasave and have you always worked in this position? I started at Pharmasave as a brand new pharmacist after graduating from UBC Pharmacy in June 2001. I have never worked as a pharmacist anywhere else, and I feel very fortunate because I found the best employer right out of school! I am especially lucky because Salt Spring is my hometown. Before working at Pharmasave, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? After high school, I worked for the BC Ferries. That was a great job with a safe future, and I learned a lot working in the cafeteria, in the terminals and on deck as a deckhand ― but I was young and I longed to do something fun and exciting. After 2 years on the ferries, I asked for a leave of absence. My request was denied, so I quit. I started as a server and then as a bartender at the legendary Vesuvius Inn in 1988. I worked there on and off in between travels for 7 years. I developed deep relationships an…

Our New Ferry is Headed to BC from Poland

BC Ferries’ Salish Eagle, the second of three new Salish Class vessels, is on its way. The vessel departed Gdansk, Poland on February 11, 2017, for a 10,440 nautical mile journey bound for its new home in British Columbia. The Transatlantic voyage will take approximately 45 to 55 days, depending on weather. The journey will include stops for refuelling in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands and Panama City, Panama, after transiting the Panama Canal and sailing up the west coast of North America to British Columbia. Salish Eagle, BC Ferries’ second dual-fuel vessel, is scheduled to arrive in B.C. in April for crew training and familiarization. The ship is scheduled to start service in the Southern Gulf Islands in the summer. “We are looking forward to introducing all three new Salish Class vessels into service this year, which will serve British Columbians for decades to come.” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “We plan to operate these ships on natural gas, whi…

Long Harbour Terminal Shoreline Stabilization

Please be advised that BC Ferries will be conducting a shoreline stabilization project at Long Harbour Terminal. The work will commence on February 8 and is expected to be completed prior to March 3, 2017. The work will involve excavating equipment and delivery of rock fill during the project. All work will be limited to weekdays and will be carried out during daylight hours. There will be no impact to operations however customers may experience an increase in traffic congestion while accessing the foot passenger pick-up and drop-off parking area. BC Ferries has conducted an environmental assessment of the required work and all necessary precautions to protect the environment will be in place. BC Ferries would like to thank its customers and neighbours for their patience and understanding as we complete this necessary shoreline stabilization project.

Pledge or Plunge with The Tempest on New Year’s Day!

Up until September of this year, Salt Spring youth didn’t have any options for co-ed, full contact sports. But coaches Tammy Miller and Kate Richer changed that. Tammy and Kate put out a call for roller skaters, aged 10 to 17, to form a junior roller derby team called The Tempest. Seventeen skaters showed up―ready to roll! Tammy skates for The Committed, Salt Spring’s adult team, and is a parent of two roller derby skaters. She and Kate, a retired skater for The Committed, recognized the interest in an island team. Twice a week, Tammy and other parents were driving their kids to Duncan to practice with the Brass Knuckle Derby Dames. Part of roller derby’s draw is that it’s a grassroots sports, but even grassroots sports have associated costs. The Tempest travels to compete against other junior roller derby teams in Duncan, Comox, Powell River, Victoria, and the lower mainland. Travel, ferries, and overnight stays for seventeen players and two coaches add up. The tea…

Skeena Queen To Undergo A Refit In The New Year

BC Ferries’ Skeena Queen will undergo a refit January 3 to February 8, 2017 as part of regulatory and preventative maintenance planning. For the duration of the refit, service on the Swartz Bay-Fulford Harbour route will be provided by a combination of the Bowen Queen and the Queen of Cumberland. As the vehicle capacity of the Bowen Queen is lower than that of the Skeena Queen, BC Ferries will be deploying the Queen of Cumberland during the weekday mornings to better meet expected demand. The Queen of Cumberland normally services the Swartz Bay-Southern Gulf Island route, where the Bowen Queen will provide service during those same sailing times. The vessels will ‘swap routes’ during each weekday and there will be minor changes to early afternoon sailing times on the Swartz Bay-Fulford Harbour route schedule. “This refit will be the last work performed prior to a significant mid-life upgrade for the Skeena Queen,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineerin…

RCMP: Gun Stolen From Unsecure Vehicle

On November 1st, 2016 shortly before 7:00 pm, a pair of suspects entered 6 unsecure vehicles at the BC Ferries Long Harbour Terminal parking area. A 2015 Ford F150 (with the keys left inside) was stolen from the lot, and recovered by police on November 2nd, 2016, near the BC Ferries Fulford Terminal on Salt Spring Island. With the assistance of BC Ferries Security Operations Centre staff, it has been determined that the pair of suspects disembarked as foot passengers at Swartz Bay (Sidney) at 7:50 pm on November 1st from an inbound Salt Spring ferry. They then boarded a vessel bound for Tsawwassen Terminal, disembarking in Tsawwassen at 10:40 pm. The pair are believed to have been in possession of a large black coloured plastic compound bow case, which police suspect contained a compound bow with 24 arrows, and a 22 cal. Rifle. These items were improperly stored inside the truck stolen/recovered on Salt Spring Island. No ammunition is believed to have been taken. Anytime …

Salt Spring Photo’s of the Week: Fall Magic

Salt Spring Island and the people of our community are very photogenic. Here are some of the best photos of the week from our Facebook and Instagram accounts taken on and around Salt Spring Island.

The ghouls are lurking. #saltspring #saltspringisland

A photo posted by Salt Spring (@saltspring) on Oct 25, 2016 at 7:41pm PDT

Fall wow. #saltspring #saltspringisland

A photo posted by Salt Spring (@saltspring) on Oct 25, 2016 at…

Salt Spring Reads: Mod ’n Lavender, Salt Spring Island n the ’60’s

Salt Spring Reads is an online book club/review. For this column I try to find books that you might love to discover, books with a Salt Spring connection. Reviewed books are available at the Salt Spring Library and/or in local bookstores. Feel free to share your comments. Mod ’n Lavender, Salt Spring Island n the ’60’s, by John Grain I have seen a fair number of memoirs written by people who lived much of their life on Salt Spring. Sometimes these are experiences of first settlers, other times the stories are of wild and wacky adventures on this island. There are geographical descriptions and historic accounts. John Grain’s new book focuses on the 1960’s as a period of change in the world and ties it to life on Salt Spring Island - a period of change from a rough, relatively unknown place to a popular tourist destination. He starts out with personal narrative about how he and his family came to settle on Salt Spring. In the process he introduces us to colourful charac…

BC Ferries Conducts Pilot to Improve Thru Fare Connections at Swartz Bay Terminal

BC Ferries has recently initiated a pilot for customers to connect with their second sailing out of Swartz Bay travelling by vehicle from Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands using a ‘thru fare’ travel option. When arriving at Tsawwassen terminal, thru fare vehicle customers are provided with a mirror hanger that will allow terminal and vessel employees to load, unload and ticket them in the most expedient manner. “BC Ferries addressed the feedback we had heard from thru fare customers who were anxious about transferring between sailings at Swartz Bay, and we developed procedures to help,” said Corrine Storey, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Customer Services. “By establishing communication, staging and loading protocols, we were able to now provide a way to greatly increase the likelihood of making a desired sailing to any of the five Southern Gulf Islands at Swartz Bay.” As well, a successful pilot project that allows foot passenger reservations for customers travel…

BC Ferries announces new Southern Gulf Islands schedules for 2017

Over the past year, BC Ferries conducted a public consultation process to review schedules for the following island routes Pender Island, Mayne Island, Saturna Island, Galiano Island, and Salt Spring Island through Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. This process included public surveys, public meetings, small working group sessions with local community representatives and employee working group meetings.BC Ferries thanks customers for their participation in this scheduling initiative. The Southern Gulf Islands service is a complex network and with two vessels coming into service in 2017, it was important to take this opportunity to collectively work with the communities to shape the service for the future. The new schedules for the Southern Gulf Islands take effect May 2017. New 2017 Schedule Highlights Travel to and from Tsawwassen In the peak season, there will be more sailing opportunities and a 46% increase in capacity in the system. Inter-island connections are mainta…

BC Ferries Names New Gulf Islands Ferries

BC Ferries held the official naming ceremony today for the second and third Salish- Class vessels at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland. The Salish Eagle and Salish Raven were christened according to maritime tradition with the customary breaking of a champagne bottle on each hull. The vessel sponsor for the Salish Eagle is Michelle Letourneau, currently a Master on the routes serving the Southern Gulf Islands. The sponsor for the Salish Raven is Jodi Gaudet, Chief Engineer on the MV Quinsam, which operates on the Nanaimo – Gabriola Island route. Both women have worked diligently over the past 20 years to advance their careers in the marine industry, and are thrilled at being selected as sponsors of these newest BC Ferries vessels. “This ceremony marks a major milestone in the construction of our three new Salish- Class vessels as they each take another step closer to entering our fleet,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “These vessels, named …

BC Ferries Expands Foot Passenger Reservations for Salt Spring

BC Ferries is expanding a pilot project that allows foot passenger reservations for customers travelling from Tsawwassen to any island serviced on the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route to now include reservation opportunities for travel from Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Pender or Mayne Islands to Tsawwassen. For travel between April 11 and September 5, walk-on passengers will now be able to guarantee boarding on a sailing in either direction of travel on this route. Details of this reservations offering include: • Reservations offered in both directions of travel, space is limited • Full fare must be paid in advance by phoning BC Ferries Customer Call Centre • There is no fee for reservations; no fee for changes • Fares are non-refundable, but are transferable to another sailing • Reservations can be made up to two hours prior to desired sailing • Customers must check-in a minimum of 30 minutes prior to scheduled sailing time “Customers who have used these re…