For Immediate Release 10-007 March 3, 2010

BC FERRIES ANNOUNCES QUADRA AND CORTES ISLANDS SERVICE DURING TEMPORARY DOCK CLOSURE terminal closed April 6 through 10 for construction

VICTORIA – BC Ferries’ dock at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island will be temporarily closed for five days while a new berthing structure is installed. Alternate service will be provided for both Quadra and Cortes Islands during the dock closure from April 6 through 10, 2010.

BC Ferries is making this significant investment at Quathiaski Cove to ensure continued safe, reliable service for years to come. The $5.3 million project includes the replacement of the ramp, pontoon, wingwalls and waiting shelter. While work on the project began at the beginning of February and will conclude at the end of April, BC Ferries has pre-fabricated the berthing structure and other components off-site to minimize the necessary dock closure period.

During the closure the MV Tachek will operate between Campbell River and Heriot Bay terminal on Quadra Island, transporting commercial and essential vehicle traffic only. Beginning March 15, all customers will be required to reserve their desired sailing by calling 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).

The MV Tenaka will operate between Campbell River and Whaletown terminal on . All vehicular and foot traffic are welcome and will be loaded on a first-come- first-serve basis. Both vessels will operate three round-trip voyages each day.

In addition, a water taxi service will be available to transport foot passengers between Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove terminals. This service will operate approximately every 20 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be no direct ferry service between Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals during the five-day period.

BC Ferries will be hosting public open houses to provide information about the alternate service plan and to answer any questions as follows:

• Monday, March 22, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Community Centre on Quadra Island. • Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mansons Hall on Cortes Island.

BC Ferries appreciates the patience of its customers during this temporary service adjustment and looks forward to opening the brand new dock at Quathiaski Cove.

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., 1112 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4V2 Tel (250) 978-1267 Fax (250) 978-1119 www.bcferries.com/news/ Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our emergency pager at (250) 389-8826. Page 2

[Alternate service schedule attached]

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Media Contact: Customer Contact: BC Ferries, Media Relations Victoria: (250) 386-3431 Victoria: (250) 978-1267 Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)

Campbell River to Quadra/Cortes Island Schedule – Revised April 6-10, 2010

Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) – Campbell River

MV Tachek – crossing time approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Leave Quadra Island Leave Campbell River 7:15 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 11:05 a.m. 1:10 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:05 p.m. NOTE: Commercial vehicle traffic only, reservations required.

Cortes Island (Whaletown) – Campbell River

MV Tenaka – crossing time approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Leave Cortes Island Leave Campbell River 7:50 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:50 a.m. 1:50 p.m. 3:40 p.m. 5:40 p.m. NOTE: All vehicle traffic welcome on a first-come-first-serve basis. Foot passengers welcome as space permits.

Campbell River – Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)

Water taxi – crossing time approximately 5 minutes. Service to operate in 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. window, leaving Campbell River approximately every 20 minutes. No unaccompanied children under 12 years of age permitted.

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., 1112 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4V2 Tel (250) 978-1267 Fax (250) 978-1119 www.bcferries.com/news