High winds and above average snowfall this winter has left provincial transportation systems challenged, and BC Ferries has now warned residents to expect more sailing disruptions this winter.

On ferry-reliant Cortes Island, sailing cancellations and power outages have been frequent this winter. 

Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs with BC Ferries, says a combination of challenging weather conditions and the spread of COVID-19 among ferry workers is resulting in sailing cancellations, due to insufficient staff for safely operating vessels and/or prohibitive weather conditions. 

These service disruptions sometimes making it difficult for local residents to feel they can rely on ferry service when it comes to booking needed medical appointments, picking up required goods, accessing services, or connecting with transportation links to major hubs. 

Marshall says the corporation is being proactive by informing customers of the service’s challenges and limitations, so affected communities can prepare for the inevitable continuation of service interruptions. 

CKTZ News speaks with Marshall about BC Ferries’ pandemic and weather challenges: