Tag Archives: Campbell River-Quadra Ferry

Paramedic shortages still plague rural areas, but some remedies may be in the works

Editor’s note: According to BC Emergency Health Service, this does not apply to Cortes Island which is allegedly “well staffed with all 4 Scheduled On-call (SOC) positions filled and 3 on call staff.  SOC shifts are 24-hour shifts. Paramedics are at the station from 8am to 4pm, and carry a pager outside those hours.”

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Quadra Island resident Carol Woolsey had the misfortune to experience a medical emergency in her rural community last month after the last ferry had sailed for the night. 

After developing searing pain in her lower abdomen, the77-year-old and her cousin called911 around 10 p.m. on April 2. 

Disoriented by pain and vomiting constantly into her kitchen sink, it seemed to Woolsey it was taking forever for paramedics to arrive. She was relieved to see two people come through the door around 20 minutes later. 

However, relief turned to alarm when she learned the two were local volunteer firefighters responding because there were no paramedics available on the island. Woolsey had to wait for a crew to come by water taxi from Campbell River. 

Continue reading Paramedic shortages still plague rural areas, but some remedies may be in the works

What difference are the new Hybrid e-Ferries making? 

Wind speeds of up to 35 kph were recorded on Quadra Island on Easter Sunday. For passengers crossing on the 11:50 AM from Cortes Island, this meant more than a two and a half hour delay at the Quathiaski Cove Terminal before they could cross over to Campbell River.    

Why were the two new hybrid-eferries kept in port while the Tachek continued to sail between Cortes and Quadra Islands?

A ferry worker explained it in terms of different wind conditions. 

Continue reading What difference are the new Hybrid e-Ferries making? 

West Coast electric ferries lack the power to ditch diesel

 Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BC Ferries got a half-billion-dollar cash injection on the weekend to keep fares below inflation and help electrify the fleet. 

However, while Premier David Eby and Transportation Minister Rob Fleming offered details on fare objectives over the next four years, they provided little information on the province’s goals for weaning ferries off fossil fuels.  

Continue reading West Coast electric ferries lack the power to ditch diesel

Changes coming to the BC Ferries for Quadra and Cortes Islands

The two much anticipated Island Class hybrid e-ferries are now in operation on the Campbell River to Quadra Island route. The new ferries will be sailing between Campbell River and Quadra Island approximately every half hour between 7:30 AM and 5:50 PM. A single vessel will serve this route in the early morning and evenings. 

“This was a long time coming for all of us, but we’re pleased to have the vessels going and seeing the throughput at the both ends of the terminals. There has been some bumps along the road for sure. We’ve had to make some minor adjustments with the way we stage traffic at the terminals. We’re exploring different options, trying to keep the on-time performance and the traffic moving as fast as we can” said Megan Caldwell, the Terminal Manager for BC Ferries.

Mark Vonesh, the Regional Director for Cortes Island had a different perspective, “We live on Cortes because we like to  have that isolation and sense of distance from the urban centers. That’s something that makes Cortes special, but we rely on the ferry. It’s an essential service for us. We require it for groceries, for medical, for appointments. It’s something that we rely on, and it’s a bottleneck for us. The new ferries that are coming on board obviously created some issues for Cortes.” 

Continue reading Changes coming to the BC Ferries for Quadra and Cortes Islands

B.C. islanders bid adieu to their Queen who reigned for nearly 60 years

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Editor’s note: the 40% increase of capacity on the Campbell River-Quadra run will undoubtedly translate into more traffic using the adjoining the Quadra-Cortes Island ferry.

Quadra Islanders braved lashing wind and rain to bid farewell to the queen that for decades dictated many aspects of their lives and reigned over their West Coast community. 

After operating 32 years as the sole vessel serving the small ferry-dependent island — and a full 58 years with the BC Ferries fleet — the ‘Powell River Queen’ was retired from service on Jan. 17. 

Continue reading B.C. islanders bid adieu to their Queen who reigned for nearly 60 years