The 7 a.m. ferries departing Swartz Bay terminal and Tsawwassen terminal have been held at dock due to a protest on Monday morning.

The group set up the protest in response to a call for support from the Wet’suwet’en leaders demanding respect for sovereignty, in opposition of the Coastal GasLink project in northern B.C.

“This action has targeted BC Ferries because of the corporation’s deepening integration with the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) industry. BC Ferries has proposed upgrades to two of its ferries that will make them reliant on the very product that Coastal GasLink threatens to bring through Wet’suwet’en territory,” reads a statement from the group.

Commuters have been unable to access the terminal since 6 a.m. this morning.

The group, armed with signs and banners, has set up the blockade under the overpass in front of the ticketing booths.

Protesters have also stationed kayaks in the water surrounding the terminal to prevent vessels from departing.

BC Ferries’ most recent update about the situation was posted at 7:20 a.m., advising commuters that the Spirit of Vancouver Island and Coastal Rennaisance vessels are currently holding in dock at their respective ports.

Sidney RCMP are on scene discussing the situation with the protesters.



More to come.