Operators sought for passenger ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver

Expression of Interest has been issued

Summary

The City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Port Authority have issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to seek an operator of a passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. The two parties, in conjunction with Snuneymuxw First Nation view the operation of a high speed passenger ferry service between the two cities as a catalyst that will diversify and grow the local economy.

The EOI is viewed as an open and transparent approach to gauge interest from the private sector. Results of the EOI will form the basis of future negotiations and is an important step in establishing the service.

Link to Strategic Plan: Waterfront Enhancement (enhanced public access and use); Transportation and Mobility (enhanced transportation connections to Vancouver); Taking Responsibility (facilitating change and development consistent with vision and plans).

Key Points

  • The EOI will be distributed to the marine industry and posted on the City and NPA websites.
  • Submissions are due by Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 2pm.
  • Proponents can select to operate from the NPA Cruise Ship Terminal or the City owned waterfront lands at 1 Port Drive.

Quotes

"The development of this Expression of Interest through the combined efforts of the Nanaimo Port Authority, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo is a critical step in securing a foot ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver. And as importantly is the new found working relationship between the three parties responsible for building a better Nanaimo together."

Councillor
City of Nanaimo

"We look forward to working in true partnership with the Nanaimo Port Authority and the City in a manner that respects our Treaty and Title and Rights, demonstrates how we are working together in new ways consistent with the goal of true reconciliation, and achieves something to the benefit of the entire region."

Acting Chief
Snuneymuxw First Nation

"The Nanaimo Port Authority Board of Directors and staff are very excited to complete the Expression of Interest in partnership with the Snuneymuxw First Nations and the City of Nanaimo. We look forward to receiving service proposals from potential operators in the second phase of the project. The shared vision of having a high speed ferry service between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver is one step closer."

Chair
Nanaimo Port Authority

"I am very pleased the City, Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Port Authority agreed to issue the Expression of Interest for a fast ferry yesterday; an historic moment for our community with key parties working together to bring a foot ferry to our City and region."

Chief Administrative Officer
City of Nanaimo

Attachments

-30-

Contact:

Philip Cooper
Communication Manager
City of Nanaimo
250 755 4532

Print News Release

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.
Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.