Two BC Ferries sailings are delayed due to a protest blocking the Swartz Bay ferry terminal north of Victoria.
A statement from Extinction Rebellion said the demonstration is in support of Wet’suwet’en members opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C.
BC Ferries said the 7 a.m. sailings from Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen are holding in dock while officials determine the “scope” of the protest.
Spokesperson Deborah Marshall said the protest is so far blocking the inbound lanes to the terminal, but there is also “concern” that kayaks might be in the water.
Passengers driving to get to the fare booths along Highway 17 ahead of the sailings were stuck in gridlock traffic. Anne Roberge had a reservation for the 7 a.m. sailing and couldn’t get close to the terminal.
“At one point we said, ‘Oh boy. That doesn’t look good,'” she said, speaking by phone from her spot in traffic.
BC Ferries said it is working on a “contingency” plan to keep traffic moving. Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are also on scene.
Passengers are asked to monitor the BC Ferries website for any updates.
“This may take some time,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Chris Manseau. “It’s so new, it’s so dynamic and still unfolding, we’re sending members out there to see what the protesters wants are and what we can do.”
“We understand people’s frustration, but these events do take time.”
Extinction Rebellion is a climate action activist group formed after a report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said policymakers have only 12 years to stop global catastrophic climate change.
Coastal GasLink is building a 670-kilometre pipeline from northeast B.C. to Kitimat on the coast. The project runs through Wet’suwet’en traditional territory.
The company has signed agreements with all 20 elected First Nation councils along its path, but five hereditary chiefs say the project has no authority without their consent.
