For years, anyone heading up the Pat Bay Highway toward the Swartz Bay ferry terminal knew there was one last place to check if they were cutting it close.
The BC Ferries sign just before Sidney flashed sailing waits and departure times, giving drivers a final look at what they were heading toward.
Positioned next to the pedestrian overpass near Weir Street, the board became a familiar checkpoint for travellers deciding whether to go straight to the terminal or make a quick stop in Sidney and wait for a later sailing.
BC Ferries confirmed to Victoria Buzz the display was first installed in 2005 and has now been shut down.
After more than a year of failing components and missing characters, the sign was removed from service in early 2025 and cannot be repaired with available parts.
The company says a modern replacement could be considered as part of a future capital project, though no timeline has been set.
BC Ferries also noted that most customers now rely on its website and mobile app for real-time information before they travel.
For now, the well-known roadside update near Sidney will remain dark.
