Schedules affected as elderly BC Ferry taken out of service for critical repairs

VANCOUVER – BC Ferries is juggling some of the smaller vessels on its fleet as it makes plans to temporarily remove the aging Queen of Burnaby from the Comox-Powell River run.

The ship needs a new propeller hub and will be out of service next month, starting Jan. 6.

A release from BC Ferries says the MV Island Sky will operate on a modified schedule, serving Comox, Texada Island and Powell River, while the North Island Princess will work the Saltery Bay-Earls Cove run, connecting the Sunshine Coast to the Powell River area.

BC Ferries warns passengers to check new departure times because the first runs of the day are earlier than currently scheduled.

Foot passengers from Texada Island will also have access to a water taxi service to Powell River.

BC Ferries thanks travellers for their patience and notes three new vessels are under construction, with the first one — The Salish Orca — due to replace the Queen of Burnaby on the Comox-Powell River run by the end of 2016.

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