New ferry service between Nanaimo, downtown Vancouver announced
A new "high-speed" passenger ferry service is coming to Nanaimo, which will connect the city's downtown core with downtown Vancouver.
The new ferry service was announced on Thursday by the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA), the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Conqora Capital Partners Inc.
"After many years of talking about a fast passenger service coming to Nanaimo, it is with great pleasure that the Nanaimo Port Authority announces our unique partnership with (the Snuneymuxw First Nation) and Conqora to bring this vital service to Nanaimo," said Nanaimo Port Authority chair Donna Hais in a statement Thursday.
The three organizations have multiple agreements arranged between them. The NPA has entered a long-term lease agreement with Conqora, which operates the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf. The wharf includes vessel berths, parking and welcome terminals.
Meanwhile, Conqora has entered a Recognition, Cooperation and Benefits Agreement with the Snuneymuxw First Nation to allow the passenger ferry to operate in the nation's territory.
"Our Nation is delighted to announce our tripartite partnership that brings the long awaited fast-passenger ferry to our region," said Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse on Thursday.
"We always must be mindful that the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 protects and preserves Snuneymuxw lands and waters, and enables trade and commerce in our territory," he said. "We are proud to work with Conqora and the NPA on the basis of respect and recognition for the greater good of everyone and the economy."
No date for when the ferry service will begin operation was announced Thursday. In a joint release, the three organizations said details about the ferry service would be announced "in the near future."
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says the announcement is an "exciting day for Nanaimo," while acknowledging that the community has seen years of interest in having a direct ferry to Vancouver.
"It is good to actually see it in writing," he told CTV News on Thursday. "I've been reluctant to comment for some time now simply because it (a passenger ferry service to Vancouver) has been announced so often that there wasn't a lot of credibility left around further announcements."
"I think that this one will float – bad pun, well intended," he said. "But if it doesn't I think there are others who are very interested who would be able to make a success of it as well."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.