'We're hurt and we're angry': B.C. residents react to cross-border ferry cancellations over low demand
A cross-border ferry that has served British Columbia and Washington for over 65 years has been forced to cancel several upcoming sailings due to lower-than-expected demand. And residents on both sides of the border are speaking out.
Black Ball Ferry Line, which provides year-round vehicle and passenger ferry service on the MV Coho between Victoria, B.C. and Port Angeles, W.A., posted on social media that, “we have made the difficult decision to adjust our June sailing schedule.”
Instead of increasing the number of sailings as planned on June 12, Black Ball has cancelled several early morning sailings from Victoria and many evening sailings departing from Port Angeles in the month.
Several commenters posted messages in support of the ferry, though others blamed the ongoing trade war and travel anxieties between Canada and the U.S. for the drop in sailing demand.
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“A lot of our neighbours to the south still don’t get it,” said one person. “We’re hurt and we’re angry. We feel for the U.S. businesses affected by this, and we hope you vote more wisely next time. Last year, I went to Port Angeles on the Coho for my birthday. This year, I cannot.”
“It sucks, I love Port Angeles, Port Townsend, and Sequim,” added another commenter. “I know you guys didn’t vote for this. But we just can’t go there right now. Your country doesn’t feel safe anymore. Your government is attacking the world.
“Every day, I hope that somehow, California, Washington and Oregon secede and form their own country. You’d be better off.”
MV Coho vessel in Victoria Inner Harbour. (Black Ball Ferry Line)
Several Washington residents also spoke out in support of their Canadian neighbours.
“I live in Port Angeles and would love for the West Coast states to join Canada. I am not alone in that desire,” replied a social media user.
“I didn’t vote for this and the man responsible for the chaos,” added another person.
“Our tourism is being crushed by the stupidity of power,” said another Washington resident.
“I hope our town and small businesses can survive now that the United States has become a pariah to the rest of the world.”
Canadians are sticking to their guns amid the trade war between Canada and the United States, with travel to the U.S. plummeting drastically.
Recent data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows that 4,105,516 people crossed the border from Canada to the U.S. in March. That’s a drop of 864,844 visitors compared to the same month last year, when 4,970,360 Canadians travelled south.
illuminaphoto/Shutterstock
As more Canadians reconsider travel to the U.S. this year, many are choosing to explore domestic getaways and international destinations.
Tariff tensions between the two countries continued to rise after President Trump announced that a 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States would be implemented.
Black Ball stated that it would offer alternative sailings or a full refund to passengers affected by its sailing cancellations between B.C. and Washington.
“We do not take this decision lightly, and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and understanding as we navigate through these unprecedented times.”
Black Ball Ferry Line and the MV Coho have transported over 26 million passengers and more than seven million vehicles since they launched in 1959.