From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
Summer’s bustle has faded while the warm amber of the big leaf maples is brightening our shorter days. We are so fortunate to live in a beautiful place which visitors want to experience and while visiting, support our island economy. Along with our golden memories of a lovely island summer, some folks may have recollections of seasonal ferry-related traffic concerns.

Ferry-related traffic issues

Vehicle lineups beyond BC Ferries staging areas cause traffic issues and safety concerns, which I heard about (and received photos of) several times over the summer. In Electoral Areas, road management and maintenance belongs to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT). When it comes to on-the-ground traffic troubles, the RCMP are called to sort it out. If it’s ferry-related traffic, many believe BC Ferries has a role as well.

The SRD (and this Director) don’t have a direct role in managing roads, traffic or ferries. However, finding solutions to increase community safety and Quadra’s road functionality in the summer led to me recently hosting a multi-jurisdictional meeting to discuss ferry traffic concerns on Quadra Island.

Multi-jurisdictional solution-focused meeting

It was super to have representatives from BC Ferries, Ministry of Transportation, Quadra RCMP, We Wai Kai Nation and myself all in the same room discussing ferry-related traffic concerns and looking for paths to improvements. I’m very grateful everyone found time for this important discussion.

I wish I could say the outcome of the meeting is that the problems were solved, alas, solutions to complex issues are often not simple – unless there’s a big pot of money, which no provincial ministry has these days. However, I’m happy to report that the conversation illuminated areas for further investigation, potential options, and built direct connections between the folks who have various levels of responsibility and influence for local roads and ferry traffic.

During the meeting, I heard that the BC Ferries contract with the Province is to solely provide transportation services, and they believe their responsibility ends at the edge of the official traffic staging area. However, recognizing the community impact they are willing to work collaboratively towards signage solutions. Interestingly, finding solutions for Quadra may pose a bigger challenge for BC Ferries: what’s good for Quadra may be desired by all, and there could be significant costs to unroll solutions to the many coastal communities impacted by ferry-related traffic.

It was interesting to hear BC Ferries representatives talk about their complex governance structure and how advocacy must be directed at the right governance organization, which is topic dependent. Control of BC Ferries includes the BC Ferry Authority, BC Ferries Commissioner, the Coastal Ferry Services contract & the Provincial Ministry of Transportation, water division.

BC Ferries, Heriot Bay upgrade project

You are likely aware that BC Ferries is replacing the ferry berths at the Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals in advance of bringing an Island Class ferry for the Quadra-Cortes route for summer 2026. It’s a big deal, a significant capital investment, one of only a handful of such projects across the coast.

February 2026 will bring impacts for Heriot Bay residents as well as all Cortesians, when regular ferry service is disrupted as the new berth works are finalized. BC Ferries has confirmed that during the terminal closures a 40-person water taxi will be providing six round trips of daily passenger service between Mansons Landing and the Heriot Bay government docks, six-day-a-week barge service for essential goods, and a complimentary shuttle service from Heriot Bay to QCove.

The new Island Class vessel coming to service the Quadra to Cortes route will almost double vehicle capacity. BC Ferries staff believe that the new ferry will get more people and vehicles where they need to be with fewer overloads, resulting in less ferry-related congestion in Heriot Bay, though some peak season congestion will likely continue.

BC Ferries project communications have been fulsome, with several in-person events over previous months and a dedicated webpage sharing regular updates. Expect more communications to roll out beginning in November, including schedules, posters, and social media updates. You can visit bcferriesprojects.ca/heriot-bay-whaletown-tp to learn more & subscribe for updates.

Island roads

Storm season is upon us; snow season is likely to follow. Quadra Island and the Outer Discovery Islands fall within the North Island road management zone, managed by Mainroad Contracting. Mainroad has a 10-year contract with the Province, giving them responsibility for road management servicing to the specified level in the contract.

It’s been nice to see the ditch clearing and works in QCove, hopefully this will lessen road flooding! I’ve heard from some folks that it’s frustrating when your road isn’t plowed as quickly or managed as frequently as you wish: a friendly reminder that road servicing is determined based on a road’s classification. And remember, there is a 24-hour hotline to report a road hazard or concern, the number is 1-877-215-7122.

Connect

Thanks for reading. You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: email [email protected], or call 250.203.2468.

Until next time,
Respectfully,
Director Robyn Mawhinney