Frigid cold causing transit woes across B.C.’s South Coast

The frigid cold pummeling B.C.’s South Coast is impacting ferries and transit in the region.

BC Ferries says its Queen of New Westminster was holding in dock at its Tsawwassen terminal after a frozen pipe has caused an onboard water leak.

“We are working to fix this and will keep you informed as more information becomes available. As soon as the problem is resolved, the vessel will resume service,” the ferry service says.

#ServiceNotice The following #QueenofOakBay sailings have been cancelled today due to a frozen throttle on the ship’s rescue boat:

6:15 am & 10:40 am departing #HorseshoeBay
8:25 am & 1:00 pm departing #DepartureBay

More information here: https://t.co/mpYDSQmmpU ^jr

— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) December 21, 2022

Four Queen of Oak Bay sailings have also been cancelled “today due to a frozen throttle on the ship’s rescue boat,” BC Ferries explained.

After Tuesday’s snowstorm, much of the region is now shivering through freezing temperatures.

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• YVR limits international arrivals, snowstorm cleanup continues

• Vancouver’s TransLink sees delays as winter weather hits

• YVR passengers struggle as winter weather hits Vancouver

Environment Canada has since issued an Arctic Outflow Warning for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The weather service is suggesting windchill temperatures could drop between -25 C and -20 C for Metro Vancouver and -30 C to -25 C for the eastern parts of the Valley through Thursday afternoon.

TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transit service, also warns commuters of potential delays Wednesday.

It’s our uniquely Canadian solution! Hope it brought a smile! https://t.co/PeN3otELQb

— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) December 20, 2022

“Remember to dress warm and leave early,” the organization said on Twitter.

Footage surfaced Tuesday night of TransLink staff members clearing snow and ice from SkyTrain doors using hockey sticks.

“It’s our uniquely Canadian solution! Hope it brought a smile!” TransLink said.

The transit provider says it had extra buses and SkyTrains running overnight to keep infrastructure from freezing up.

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–With files from Dean Recksiedler