Category Archives: Transportation

Should We Reopen Island Rail?

The Island Railway suspended operations on March 18, 2011, due to safety concerns about the condition of the tracks. Plans to reopen the line continue to this day. In fact, one of the items of correspondence at the  Strathcona Regional District’s May 13th Board Meeting was an email from Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

Continue reading Should We Reopen Island Rail?

North Island Bus Service May Soon Terminate.

North Island Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tofino Bus Service is hoping to eliminate the Campbell River to Port Hardy leg of its route, officially putting a request in to B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board.

Continue reading North Island Bus Service May Soon Terminate.

BC Ferries Don’t Take Cash

On Monday, April 13, I was intending to board the ferry in Heriot Bay bound for Cortes Island.

“How will you be paying?” the officer in charge of boarding asked.

“Cash.” I replied.  I only had cash, having left my wallet at home on Cortes.

“We don’t take cash… Because of the virus,” he replied.

Continue reading BC Ferries Don’t Take Cash

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