The elevator aboard the Northern Adventure ferry is operational again after nearly 10 weeks out of service, a disruption that drew sharp criticism from disability advocates and ferry workers, and left some passengers with no safe way to access upper decks.
BC Ferries confirmed in a May 14 email to Haida Gwaii News that the elevator is again functional after several days of onboard repair work.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the prolonged elevator outage, and we are taking steps to ensure the situation does not occur again,” wrote Sheila Reynolds, senior communications advisor for BC Ferries.
The Northern Adventure resumed service Feb. 22 following refit, but the elevator was already out of order at the time. It briefly returned to operation on April 26 before failing within 24 hours. According to BC Ferries, the delay in restoring service stemmed from difficulties sourcing replacement parts, as the elevator’s original European manufacturer is no longer in business.
The vessel services Routes 10 and 11 between Bear Cove (Port Hardy), Klemtu, Prince Rupert and Skidegate. During the outage, wheelchair users were advised to call the Customer Care line to request advance arrangements, while others with mobility limitations were offered crew assistance to navigate stairs. However, the ferry corporation acknowledged this fell short.
“Our crews have been assisting passengers on board where possible, but we recognize that this does not meet the needs of all affected customers,” Reynolds wrote in a May 7 update.
Passenger accounts and union leaders said the situation was far more serious than an inconvenience. In a May 5 statement, Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union, called the elevator failure “a clear human rights failure.”
“This shouldn’t be happening in 2025,” McNeely said. “Delays sourcing a part are not an excuse. When people’s dignity and safety are on the line, you find a solution fast.”
The union said some passengers with disabilities had been forced to crawl up stairs or pay others to carry them to upper decks, while the vessel’s stair lift has also remained out of service since mid-March. Front-line workers have faced daily conflict and tension as a result.
“It’s not a good situation for anyone to be in,” McNeely added. “Prioritizing fully accessible vessels and terminals is important, especially in the North where there are limited travel options.”
The union called for urgent repairs, proactive accessibility accommodations, and a comprehensive plan to prevent future breakdowns of essential equipment like elevators and lifts.
Federal standards outlined in the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Ferry Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Code of Practice require ferries over 1,000 gross tonnes that operate between provinces to maintain at least one accessible elevator from the vehicle deck to all passenger decks.
The Code outlines minimum technical criteria, including sufficient space for wheelchairs, accessible controls, tactile and audible indicators, and clearly posted signage when an elevator is out of service due to weather or repair. It also requires that accessibility features be maintained in working order and repaired promptly.
Although elevator service has now resumed, BC Ferries confirmed that Deck 7 remains inaccessible by elevator. The company said it is implementing mitigation strategies such as suspending elevator use during high-sea conditions to protect the equipment and ensure safety.
BC Ferries stated that passengers booked on affected sailings through May 11 were contacted directly and given the option to cancel or rebook without penalty. The company says it will continue to offer advance planning support for passengers with accessibility needs, who can call 1-888-223-3779 for assistance.
