Powell River residents cry foul over latest ferry problem

Powell River residents say they are fed up and frustrated to be facing another major BC Ferries service reduction the third one in the past year.

"With this total mess, people cannot get to Vancouver in time for their medical appointments, which have been scheduled long ago," saidirate residentKen White."People are worried sick. We're talking about the elderly and senior citizens who have to go to specialists,"

"It's so frustrating to have junk ferries up here," he added.

The problem startswith the breakdown ofthe Queen of Burnabywhich is being removed from service for at least three weeks startingJan. 5due to a leaking propeller sealthe third one in the last 12 months.

The 51-year-old vessel normally runs between Powell River andComoxbut,to cover for its absence, BC Ferries shuffles boats, leaving theSaltery Bay to Earl's Cove routewhich connects passengers fromPowell River to the Sunshine Coast and from there to the Lower Mainland with a smallervessel capable of carrying only49 vehicles.

The reduced capacity, and the fact that reservations are not possible on the route, makes itharder to catch a ferryout of Saltery Bay. It alsomeans ferry travelersare more likely toget stranded on the Sunshine Coast side on the return trip home.

Powell River Mayor David Formosa says heis also frustratedbut not surprised.

"That vessel has a huge problemwith its age and being worn out," he told CBC. "It's probably going to happen again."

Formosasays a new ferry is supposed to replace the Queen of Burnaby by the end of2016but feels BC Ferries delayed the decision to start building it for far too long in order to save money.

"It's just part of this whole ferry fiasco," he said. "I don't understand why coastal communities are treated this way."

BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshallsayspeople who need to get from PowellRiver to Vancouver should consider adjusting their schedule.

"Definitely, if someone has a medical appointment, you might want to consider leaving earlier," she said. "We certainly apologize to our customers for the inconvenience."

"We had divers go down to see if they could make repairs under water but unfortunatelythatship has to be dry docked to make those repairs," she said.