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CBC
3 hours ago
- CBC
What travellers can expect during the B.C. Day long weekend
Social Sharing As British Columbians gear up to celebrate B.C. Day, officials are urging the public to plan ahead and stay safe amid expected travel congestion on ferries, highways and at airports. B.C. Ferries says the long weekend is its busiest of the year, and it's anticipating a five per cent increase in vehicles and a 10 per cent increase in passengers on routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island compared to an average summer weekend. Traffic is expected to match last year's levels, and the corporation says all 37 vessels in its fleet are deployed and operating at full capacity, including the 61-year-old Queen of New Westminster. "In just the past month, that one vessel has experienced 10 mechanical and electrical issues: engine leaks, power interruptions, faulty alarms," said the company in a statement to CBC News. While none of the issues caused delays or cancellations, all required immediate attention. The ferry operator says its aging fleet wasn't built for current demand and is calling for fleet upgrades, adding that travel demand is projected to rise by 15 per cent over the next few years — "outpacing our capacity even with four new vessels." Ferries have faced significant challenges in recent years, from staffing shortages to last-minute cancellations and sailing waits. Last year, the propeller fell off the Queen of New Westminster, leading to 200 days of travel disruptions and costing the corporation roughly $15 million. On Friday, there were sailing delays across several routes due to heavy traffic, with crews taking extra time to load additional vehicles. More delays are expected throughout the day. All vehicle reservations on major routes are currently full, and travellers without bookings are being urged to consider off-peak times, alternate routes, or walk-on travel options. Busy summer traffic at Vancouver airport Vancouver International Airport says August is expected to be the busiest month of the summer, with more than 2.7 million passengers travelling through the airport, which accounts for 40 per cent of its total summer travels between mid-June and early September. The airport expects to welcome approximately 359,586 travellers, a 7.4 per cent increase from last year, during this long weekend alone from Aug 1 to Aug. 4. Friday is expected to be the busiest day, with nearly 92,000 passengers passing through the airport. The most popular destinations from YVR this weekend include Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal, with San Francisco taking the fifth spot as the top U.S. spot. As travellers pack into YVR, staffing shortages at Nav Canada, the country's air navigation service provider, caused delays to dozens of flights on Thursday. While the situation was resolved later that evening, flight disruptions tied to air traffic control have been reported across Canada in recent months. WATCH | More than 200 flights delayed at YVR: Vancouver airport slammed with long weekend flight delays 1 month ago The airport was slammed with over 200 flight delays on the Canada Day long weekend as well, largely due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Border delays persist amid drop in southbound travel Border wait times for southbound travel at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings exceeded one hour on Friday afternoon. But overall, southbound traffic from B.C. into Washington state has dropped significantly in recent months. Data from the Whatcom Council of Governments shows southbound travel from B.C. into Washington state was down 43 per cent in June compared to the same time last year. Traffic has declined each month since February, when U.S. President Donald Trump began seriously talking about tariffing Canadian goods. Now, he has signed an executive order increasing the tariff rate, which had been set at 25 per cent since March, to 35 per cent as of Friday. Last month, nearly 89,000 fewer crossings were recorded across the Lower Mainland's five major entry points compared to the previous June. WATCH | Border sees drop in southbound crossings from B.C.: Border crossings from B.C. to U.S. down for 5th month in a row 29 days ago ICBC and police urge caution on the roads With so many people expected to travel by car, ICBC is warning drivers to take precautions against fatigue, particularly during long, hot drives. "Seventy-one per cent more people are injured or killed in fatigue-related crashes in July and August in B.C. compared to the rest of the year," the corporation said in a statement this week. "Consider how you feel before getting behind the wheel," said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC's road safety manager. "If you're feeling rested, keep in mind that hot summer weather can be draining, especially on long drives." On average, the B.C. Day long weekend sees two people killed and over 560 injured in more than 2,000 crashes provincewide, including nearly 400 injuries in the Lower Mainland alone. B.C. RCMP and B.C. Highway Patrol say officers will be conducting roadside checks throughout the weekend. In a social media post, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin says officers are focused on curbing speed-related crashes after "a high number of fatalities in recent weeks."
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
Crowds pack BC Ferries, Vancouver airport as long weekend begins
It's shaping up to be a busy day aboard BC Ferries as British Columbians head out of town for the long weekend. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual There are busy roads, ferries and airports as thousands of people head out for the B.C. Day long weekend. BC Ferries terminals have been seeing heavy traffic since Friday morning. All vehicle reservations on major routes are sold out for the day, with drivers facing long lines before even reaching the toll booths. Those without a booking are being urged to arrive early and prepare for long waits. The B.C. Day long weekend is typically the busiest travel period of the year for BC Ferries. More than 580,000 passengers and over 200,000 vehicles are expected to sail between now and Monday. To meet the demand, BC Ferries says its full summer schedule is in effect, with every available vessel in service. In the spring, the company also added more staff and sailings, and completed maintenance and refits to prepare for the summer rush. This weekend is also seen as a major test of the ferry system's reliability, following years of challenges caused by aging vessels and growing demand. Officials say operations ran smoothly over the Canada Day long weekend, and they're hoping for a similar result this time around. For those without a reservation, BC Ferries recommends considering alternative sailing times. Saturday night may be the best option for outbound travel, while Sunday evening is shaping up as the most promising return window. BC Ferries is also reminding travellers that foot passenger space remains available on many routes. Travellers looking to avoid the congestion might want to leave their vehicles behind and walk onboard instead. Travellers are advised to check current sailing conditions and terminal webcams at before heading out. YVR back on track After a number of delays Thursday night, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) says operations are once again running smoothly. YVR communications manager Alyssa Smith said the airport is expecting one of its busiest weekends of the year, with about 360,000 passengers expected to pass through between Friday and Monday. 'We are just working that much more closely with our different airport partners to make sure our operational plans are all synching,' Smith said. 'That we do have adequate staffing at our curbs, in our terminals, right down to our baggage halls.' Smith said travellers should give themselves plenty of time to get to the airport. Those flying domestically are asked to arrive two hours before departure, while international travellers should arrive three hours ahead.
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
Vancouver tweaks Kits Pool rules amid reservation debate
After a motion to scrap the hotly debated online booking system at Kitsilano Pool was shot down before discussion, the Vancouver Park Board is making tweaks for drop-in users at the city's outdoor pools for the remainder of the summer. Starting Aug. 5, drop in prices will be 50 per cent off during the final 45 minutes of swim sessions at Kitsilano Pool, Second Beach Pool, New Brighton Pool, and Maple Grove Pool. The move aims to 'provide better value for drop-in users who may arrive later in a session or have less flexibility in their schedules,' the park board said in a news release announcing the changes. At Kitsilano Pool specifically, staff are slashing the half-hour break between sessions in the afternoon, switching the schedule from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. sessions to one 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. session. 'This adjustment offers flexibility for drop-in users to arrive at varying times while still enjoying a sufficient length swim session,' the park board wrote. The reservation system that has been in place since the pandemic but has increasingly drawn criticism this summer, particularly from Mayor Ken Sim's ABC Party, will remain in place – which means 80 per cent of spots are reserved for those who buy tickets online and 20 per cent for drop ins, but staff can adjust the ratio based on attendance. 'The park board's reservation system allows users, especially those traveling from farther away, to plan their visits with confidence,' it argued in the news release. 'With the exception of a few peak days, most drop-in swimmers were accommodated at all outdoor pool facilities. Timed swim sessions have also helped ensure safe, efficient access to pools across the city while reducing wait times.' ABC has repeatedly called for the park board to do away with the reservation system, arguing people should be able to access the city's pools spontaneously without having to fight for limited tickets. Park Board chair Laura Christensen's refusal to entertain a motion on ending advance booking drew particular ire from Sim, who released a statement saying the issues with attractions like the Kits Pool and the Stanley Park train lie with the Park Board itself which 'continues to operate with limited accountability and with little regard for what residents are actually asking for.' 'We are paying the price with long wait times and limited to no access to Kits Pool because Premier David Eby is either unwilling or unable to follow through on his repeated commitment to transition the Park Board into City operations,' Sim wrote. The statement prompted Park Board commissioner Tom Digby to declare the mayor 'officially unhinged' on social media. In response to the operational tweaks coming to the pools next week, ABC issued a statement claiming the park board was 'surrendering to public outcry' and that it's a 'small step in the right direction' but again called for the board to scrap online reservations altogether. 'We hear from families, seniors and everyday pool users who feel shut out by a system that was meant to be temporary. Clinging to a broken model only frustrates the people we're here to serve. It's time to listen and we appreciate staff working in that direction,' said commissioner Marie-Claire Howard, in ABC's release. Most of Vancouver's outdoor pools are open between Victoria Day and Labour Day, while the Kitsilano Pool will close in mid-September. The park board next meets on Sept. 15.
