No Sidney-Anacortes ferry for at least seven years

The Sidney-Anacortes ferry service won’t resume for at least seven years.

Washington State Ferries, which has been dealing with a shortage of both vessels and crew, made the announcement Tuesday.

The news comes as a blow to travellers on both sides of the international boundary. They had hoped the century-old route, dormant since the arrival of the pandemic, would be revived this summer. Instead, they learned the state system’s boatbuilding plans won’t allow for resumption until 2030 at the earliest.

“This is difficult news to receive,” said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith. “There are certainly economic impacts for our local business community, which, thankfully, has shown remarkable resilience in adapting to the changing realities since 2020.”

It’s not just a blow for the tourism sector, he said. The ferry has allowed Saanich ­Peninsula residents to stay connected to family and friends. Indigenous people have relied on the vessel to maintain cross-border relationships that predate the service itself.