BC Ferries bans anti-mask protesters for causing a ‘disturbance’

WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — West Vancouver Police were called to intervene after about a dozen anti-mask protesters boarded a ferry, and began causing a disturbance.

Deborah Marshall with BC Ferries explains the protesters got on the ferry departing from Departure Bay because they were attending an anti-mask rally in downtown Vancouver Saturday.

“They were being verbally abusive to other customers wearing masks. And we do have a mandatory mask policy at BC ferries. So we don’t put up with this type of behaviour and that’s why we call the police.”

Marshall says people involved were been banned from travelling with BC Ferries for the remainder of Saturday, and the ban may be extended – so they will have to find another way home.

She adds, all of the day’s sailings on the route between Departure Bay and Horseshoe bay have been delayed because of this incident– they’re running about 45 minutes behind schedule.

“Our crews will try to make up some time during the day but anybody travelling on that route today, I would suggest that they check out our website and look at the current status of the vessel.”

RELATED: Anti-mask protesters confronted at pair of Kelowna schools

Jason Doucette with the VPD, says officers are aware of the protest near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

“We’ll have resources dedicated to the event to ensure the safety of the protestors, the public, and the police,” he says.

“Our organization respects peaceful protests and during public demonstrations, the VPD’s response is proportionate to the actives observed. Although we are not anticipating any serious issues today, we are prepared to deal with anything that may arise.”

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