Launch day for expanded schedule of Sailings for Kwuna on Haida Gwaii

BC Ferries has added to the number of sailings for the MV Kwuna
which serves Alliford Bay and Skidegate on Haida Gwaii

Those travelling between Islands on Haida Gwaii have reason to celebrate today, as Route 26 sees an increase to scheduled service as of today, with more frequent passages between Alliford Bay and Skidegate.

The additional sailings which had been promised for last fall, had been deferred by BC Ferries owing to staffing issues in ramping up their plan to add to the service as mandated by the provincial government.

The desire for a return to previous levels for sailing frequency which had been reduced in 2014, was one of the major issues of concern for the various community governments on Haida Gwaii.

November 2019 -- Frustrations from Haida Gwaii over delays to improved inter island ferry service
Septembe 2018 -- Haida Gwaii officials share BC Ferry concerns with Transportation Minister Claire Trevena at UBCM

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice made note of the increased service levels that began today through her social media feed.

In a statement from earlier this month, the MLA observed that the province in currently working towards developing a vision for ferry services and to ask coastal communities what their service should look like and how it can evolve to serve residents better.

The roll out of that engagement process got underway in October, when Transportation Minister Claire Trevena made a whirlwind trip to a number of Coastal communities including a stop at Haida Gwaii, though curiously, the Minister chose to skip a visit to Prince Rupert.

That online engagement will be delivered through the provincial government's online portals.

So far however there is no indication from the Transportation ministry website as to when that online consultation will get underway.

Those looking to access the new schedule for the Kwuna can consult the BC Ferries website.

For more notes related to Marine Transportation on the North Coast, Southeast Alaska and Haida Gwaii see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.