Tag Archives: Mark Collins

Health, Transportation

Islanders worry they’ll be marooned if medical emergency strikes at night

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Editor’s note: the last ferry from Cortes Island, a 45 minute ferry trip away from Quadra, leaves at 5:50 PM

Residents of Quadra Island are worried about being stranded ashore when medical emergencies occur at night because BC Ferries can’t guarantee a crew for sailings to get ambulances across to the hospital in Campbell River.

A petition with close to 1,000 signatures is circulating in the community of 2,700 full-time residents calling on B.C.’s Transportation Minister Rob Fleming to work with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and BC Ferries to reinstate off-hour ferry service so ambulances can get patients to hospital in a timely manner.

Continue reading Islanders worry they’ll be marooned if medical emergency strikes at night →
Transportation

Ferry traffic getting back to pre-COVID levels

BC Ferry traffic on both the Cortes and Campbell River ferries were almost back to pre-COVID levels in 2021. 

20,000 more vehicles sailed from Campbell River than the previous year and  there were almost 4,600 more from Cortes Island. 

Continue reading Ferry traffic getting back to pre-COVID levels →
Transportation

Newest Island Class BC Ferries receive Indigenous names

CKTZ News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a special naming ceremony in Victoria’s harbour, the third and fourth Island Class ferries destined for the Campbell River – Quadra Island route were officially designated as “Island Nagalis” and “Island K’ulut’a.”

Continue reading Newest Island Class BC Ferries receive Indigenous names →
Transportation

BC Ferries On The Front Line

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Besides being on alert and feverishly working to stem the spread of germs, COVID-19 is cramping BC Ferries worker Helene Lepage’s style.

“I can’t sing at work anymore,” Lepage said with a wistful laugh. “I’m in theatre. And, no kidding, you can throw spit 25 feet away, easily, with a passionate soliloquy.”

The outgoing, gregarious terminal attendant on Quadra Island has had to rein it in during this new era of physical-distancing.

Continue reading BC Ferries On The Front Line →
Transportation

BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly to more remote island communities.

Continue reading BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary →