The Kootenay Bay Ferry is far more than a ride across a beautiful lake in British Columbia, for many it’s part of the day’s commute, for others a lifeline to essential medical care. They are part of the British Columbia highway system, yet managed by private companies and, since November 3, running on a limited schedule as ferry personnel strike for better wages and reasonable hours.
The slowdown affects not just Canadian travelers, but those on the south side of the border traveling north to visit family on the west side of the lake, to simmer in the Ainsworth Hot Springs, to enjoy all that great towns like Nelson and Castlegar have to offer.
Google Kootenay Lake Ferry and the official BC page for the Kootenay Lake Ferry is the first link that pops takes you to the official ferry schedule page, where you’ll learn “Travel Advisory: Possible service interruptions on inland ferries, please visit Drive BC for the most up-to-date information on ferry schedules and conditions.”
Then you learn that the M.V. (Motor Vessel) Osprey and Balfour are operating on winter schedule.
When you visit Drive BC, the equivalent of the 511 traffic alert system in the United States. you learn that the ferries are operating on a “schedule modification duet o crewing issue,” and sailing across but three times weekdays, and only for essential service travelers and not at all on weekends or holidays.
And nobody seems able to define just what constitutes an essential service traveler.
People trying to make doctor’s appointments across the water have, according to some reports, been asked to provide proof — not only of the appointment but as to why it qualifies as being essential, sparking all new avenues of concerned discussion. Americans seem indignant that reaching Ainsworth in time for check-in isn’t assumed
While wages are an issue, “unsustainable working conditions” appear most pressing, as ferry personnel reported to be working entire shifts on overtime.
Until the strike resolves, essential sailings will embark from Kootenay Bay at 7:10 a.m., 9 a.m. 5:20 p.m. and from Balfour at 6:30 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with no service on weekends or holidays.
Before relying on the ferry, motorists are advised to check Drive BC for the latest updates.
