Mill Cove Ferry project still afloat despite concerns from some Halifax councillors

A motion seeking more information on the Mill Cove Ferry project was defeated at Halifax council on Friday.

A motion to request more information about the Mill Cove ferry project was defeated Friday morning at Halifax City Hall during budget deliberations.

Councillors voted 10-4, against asking staff for a briefing note that could have led to a pause or cancellation of the Mill Cove ferry project.

Councillor Kathryn Morse put the motion forward on Wednesday with concerns over ballooning costs and insufficient ridership projections.

“I am asking for more information. I do want to see us invest more in transit, I’m not sure if this is the wisest investment we can make,” she said on Thursday.

The idea of a Bedford-to-Halifax ferry has been in the works for decades.

The feds, province and city have committed nearly $300 million dollars to the project that would include new ferries, terminals and maintenance facilities.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore confirmed he’d be interested in looking at ways to cut into the cost. Things like going from all electric ferries to a diesel-electric hybrid could be considered.

A partial design of the project is due for release in May.

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