SFN claims role limited, diminished as progress towards foot ferry announced
NANAIMO — An announcement about potential progress in the long-standing effort to establish passenger-only ferry service to Vancouver is being challenged by one of the parties at the table.
On Wednesday, Island Ferry Services (IFSL) and the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) issued a joint release saying the two sides agreed to key terms and conditions that will make up the framework of an eventual lease agreement. The deal is not an actual lease but sets out details like terms and rates to use the port’s infrastructure.
The release said “As required by the request for expressions of interest, Island Ferries also engaged the Snuneymuxw First Nation to understand their perspectives and concerns.”
However, SFN councillor Douglas White III told NanaimoNewsNOW once IFSL was selected as the preferred proponent, an expected “real engagement” process never happened. He said both the City of Nanaimo and NPA agreed no project would move ahead without the consent of SFN.