Ferry terminal to remain in Balfour

The Ministry of Transportation has announced the western terminal of the Kootenay Lake ferry will remain in Balfour.

In a news release today, the ministry said it “will continue to do further work on the community’s preferred option, which is to retain the terminal at Balfour.”

“We presented options to the community, and residents of Balfour and the Queens Bay area overwhelmingly supported the terminal remaining in its present location,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

“We know there are challenges with keeping the terminal at Balfour. However, as a result of what we heard, we will focus on doing the technical analysis and work to retain the terminal at Balfour, including the potential dredging of the West Arm.”

The challenges that need to be addressed at the existing terminal include the narrow channel and shallow lakebed, the ministry said. In addition, safety improvements may have to be made at the terminal to eliminate conflicts between highway and ferry traffic. Further, to maintain the current service levels, the second vessel, the MV Balfour, will have to be replaced.

The ministry said it received more than 2,600 online and mailed submissions (survey questionnaires, emails and postcards) during the public consultation between June 15 and Oct. 6. In addition, over 300 people attended the open house at Redfish Elementary school on June 15. A summary of the consultation will be available this fall.

The ministry was trying to decide between moving the ferry terminal to Queens Bay or doing a major upgrade in Balfour. The move was opposed by Queens Bay residents and Balfour business owners, but supported by East Shore residents.

The Balfour ferry terminal has been in place since 1947.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Smoke and heat blanket B.C. as late-summer heat records fall

Smoke and high temperatures are settling over large parts of British Columbia, just a week after the last record-breaking heat wave.

New Denver ER closed until Wednesday

People who need care at asked to go to Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp, about a 40-minute drive north.

School zones active: Nelson Police emphasize road safety for back to school

With students returning to school on Tuesday the Nelson Police Department is reminding all motorists to exercise extra caution around school zones and neighborhoods.

New wildfires break out in West Kootenay

Five new wildfires are burning in the region as a result of lightning over the long weekend, including one between Ymir and Kootenay Lake that is 55 hectares.

B.C. public service worker’s union plans to expand strike

Over 2,000 British Columbia public service workers chanted and marched on picket lines today demanding wages increases and fair access to telework.
- Advertisement -