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
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.