Canadian ferry owner and operator BC Ferries is starting the mid-life maintenance and upgrade of the 1997-built Skeena Queen which is serving the Swartz Bay – Salt Spring Island route.
The company announced that the upgrade would start on October 28 and last until mid-March, 2020.
The mid-life upgrade is necessary to provide required maintenance on the vessel and enhance the customer experience, according to the ferry operator.
Skeena Queen will be replaced Queen of Cumberland to ensure equivalent capacity on the regular schedule.
BC Ferries added that during the first week the Queen of Cumberland is on the route, the company would have additional staff and signage at Fulford Harbour Terminal on Salt Spring Island.