The Stormaway ferry will be affected when Berth 1 at Langdale is closed for upgrades between Jan. 19 and April 6 next year.
The ferry that runs between Langdale, Keats and New Brighton will be docking at the Gibsons Marina instead of Langdale while the upgrade work is done.
BC Ferries has yet to finalize docking plans in the marina and schedules for the Stormaway vessel, and the ferry corporation plans to get islander input soon.
“We are discussing a plan with our Gambier-Keats Ferry Advisory Committee to conduct some public engagement on each of the islands, likely in September, in order to inform those customers of the situation and seek their ideas on setting schedules/parking and other related issues,” said BC Ferries public affairs manager Darin Guenette.
“Once we can finalize the plan for alternate Stormaway service, we will promote this plan publicly.”
Some island residents are concerned and wanting to know the plan sooner, rather than later, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly.
“I am quite concerned about this matter as it drastically affects our travel times for school days,” said Catherine Woodrow, a Gambier Island resident.
Currently Woodrow says she takes her child to Langdale on the Stormaway and then connects with a school bus that completes the trip to school.
She said a change in sailing times and docking location could have a very negative affect on her family and others on the islands and many are eager to give their input.
