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BC Ferries, highways busy with long weekend travellers, despite 'stay home' pleas

Residents of smaller communities across B.C. watched as BC Ferries and highways brought out-of-towners in for the holiday long weekend
Lindsay William-Ross
Lindsay William-Ross
ferry-line
A lineup for the ferry to Langdale on late Thursday afternoon. Screenshot

For several days leading up to the start of the Easter long weekend, B.C. officials urged residents to "stay home." The need to not take to the roads or ferries to visit loved ones, go to second homes or cabins, or treat the weekend like a typical opportunity to get away was emphasized repeatedly by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Premier John Horgan, as a means to continue the curb of COVID-19 and to not overwhelm smaller towns and regions.

From Thursday evening and much of Friday, however, BC Ferries were full, and roads were busy.

“We’re asking customers to avoid all non-essential travel over the Easter long weekend. It's crucial that we follow the advice of  @PHSAofBC. Stay at home this weekend,” said BC Ferries on its Twitter feed.

On its website, BC Ferries said it has  an obligation under the Province of B.C.’s State of Emergency to prioritize traffic for essential services, like transporting goods and medical personnel.

“These measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of communities and our crew. If your travel is not essential, you may be delayed if there is an overload,” said BC Ferries.

In response on Twitter to many people who were critical of BC Ferries for not enforcing travel restrictions BC Ferries said they are not authorized to restrict travel in this regard.

“Any enforcement will need to be based on directive from the provincial government, BC Ferries said.All BC Ferries has been able to do is screen passengers for COVID-19 symptioms.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast NDP MLA Nicholas Simons expressed his frustration as well on Twitter.

“For weeks Dr. Henry has said don’t travel if it’s not essential. Yesterday ferries to the Sunshine Coast were full of people who deserve to live in a dictatorship. The rest of us respect seniors, health care workers and each other.”

Twitter erupted in anger and concern about the holiday weekend travel, in particular from residents of small communities worried about their limited resources and their fragile seniors population. There were reports of small town stores having items like toilet paper and meat bought out by out-of-towners.

While Dix and Henry did not have a live press conference on the holiday Friday, they did issue a joint statement with the COVID-19 B.C. update, issued Friday afternoon. 

“This holiday weekend is an important time for many British Columbians of diverse faiths. As we reflect on the past few weeks and the challenges we have all faced together, we are reminded of the importance of connecting and protecting our loved ones, our Elders, our health-care workers and our communities.

“This is not the time to travel, unless absolutely necessary. Stay at home and be creative with how you connect and celebrate with family and friends. Find the virtue in virtual and telephone connections. Find togetherness without gathering.

“A reminder that while all BC Parks are closed, one can still enjoy some fresh air by going for walks or bike rides with your family in your neighbourhood and remembering to keep a safe distance."

Dix and Henry are expected to hold a live update press conference at noon Saturday, at which time it is likely they will address the issue of weekend travel in B.C.

With files from Delta Optimist and Coast Reporter