Notices:

GIVE YOUR INPUT ON THE KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY PROJECT! MEETINGS TODAY!

FERRY PROJECT MEETING TODAY AT CB SCHOOL FROM 5-8PM – OPEN HOUSE

We heard you! Based on feedback from the 2016 consultation process, the Balfour Ferry Terminal will stay in its current location, and we are taking steps to address challenges and make improvements:

  • Temporary service changes – March 11 to April 21: to ensure ongoing safe and reliable operation of the Kootenay Lake Ferry during annual low spring water levels
  • Round 2 Consultation — February 19 to March 30: to get your feedback on proposed improvements

For more information, please see below and visit www.gov.bc.ca/balfourterminal.

 Temporary Service Changes — March 11 to April 21

The channel near the Balfour Ferry Terminal has some shallow areas which will be addressed through proposed dredging in the coming year. In the meantime, this creates a navigational safety hazard for the normal operation of the MV Osprey during low spring water levels. The following temporary service changes are required:

Dates Service Change
March 11 – March 24
  • Reduced weight load* on the MV Osprey
  • Potential for increased wait times during busy sailings
March 25 – April 7
  • MV Balfour in operation while the MV Osprey is refitted
  • Vehicle capacity reduced to 28 vehicles
  • Potential for increased wait times during busy sailings
April 8 – April 21
  • Reduced weight load* on the MV Osprey
  • Potential for increased wait times during busy sailings

*Depending on the number and weights of commercial vehicles boarding the vessel during this time, the number of vehicles loaded may need to be limited which might in some cases result in a sailing wait for heavier vehicles.

 Plan ahead

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this temporary service change. We suggest ferry users:

  • Go to Drive BC’s updates for the Kootenay Lake Ferry to check for potential sailing waits
  • Check the overhead messaging boards in Nelson and Creston
  • Plan to arrive early for the ferry
  • Allow time for a potential sailing wait
  • Consider off-peak crossing times or an alternate route.
  • Help spread the word to your friends and family about these changes

 

Round 2 Consultation — February 19 to March 30, 2018

We want to hear from you about improvements to the existing Balfour Ferry terminal and provide an update on the new replacement ferry, proposed dredging near the terminal and other proposed improvements. Topics for feedback will include

  • Improving queueing safety
  • Increasing parking capacity
  • New public washrooms
  • Greenspace options

There will also be an opportunity to provide additional comments and to sign up for construction information updates.

Materials, including the Discussion Guide and Feedback Form, will be available starting on February 19 at www.gov.bc.ca/balfourterminal. You can learn more and provide feedback by:

Attn: Balfour Ferry Improvement Project,

Ministry of Transportation – Marine Branch

PO Box 9850 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, BC V8W 9T5.

 

Public Open Houses

Drop-in, no RSVP required.

Date Time Location
Tuesday, February 27 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Crawford Bay School – 16150 Walkley Rd., Crawford Bay.
Wednesday, February 28 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Redfish Elementary School – 265 Bryan Rd., Nelson.

 

Small Group Meetings 

Small group meetings are scheduled for two hours. Please register in advance by emailing balfourterminal@gov.bc.ca as space is limited.

Date Time Location
Tuesday, February 27 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Cabin Restaurant – 16898 Scott Rd., Kootenay Bay.
Wednesday, February 28 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dock ‘n’ Duck – 7924 Hwy BC-3A, Balfour.

 

Please visit our website www.gov.bc.ca/balfourterminal to learn more about the project and provide your feedback.

Thank you,

Balfour Ferry Improvement Project Team

 

How Input Will Be Used

Your feedback is important to us. Input received through this community consultation will be compiled and considered by the Ministry, along with technical, environmental and financial considerations, in the final plans for the Project.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.