The following is the text of a news release from BC Ferries:
(VICTORIA, British Columbia) — BC Ferries’ Queen of Capilano recently underwent a $12 million midlife upgrade between Jan. 5 and May 5. The refit was completed on schedule and the ship will return to service on today’s 2:25 p.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island.
The refit work was carried out at Esquimalt Drydocking Co. and highlights of the vessel’s extensive upgrade include the following safety, mechanical and customer service improvements:
• Installation of gallery decks, increasing capacity from approximately 85 to 100 vehicles.
• Installation of a new entrance/exit for walk-on passengers in the upper lounge.
• Installation of a new evacuation system and replacement of the rescue boat.
• Installation of a pet area.
• Update to stairwell and disabled washroom.
• Update to the ship intercom and public address system.
“These significant improvements were made to provide a better traveling experience for our customers and prepare the Queen of Capilano for another 20 years of safe and reliable service,” said Corinne Storey, BC Ferries’ vice president of customer services. “We thank customers for their patience while the vessel underwent this necessary work and a smaller vessel provided the service.”
Customers who purchased bus tickets for the shuttle service on Bowen Island are eligible for ticket refunds until May 31. Please return your bus tickets to the Snug Cove General Store for reimbursement.
Under contract to the Province of British Columbia, BC Ferries is the service provider responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and dependable ferry service along coastal British Columbia.
