A model of the proposed fast ferry, which is built in Asia and currently awaits modifications. (Island Ferry Services)

By Spencer Sterritt

fast ferry

Fast ferry from downtown Nanaimo to Vancouver tops provincial wish-list

Oct 28, 2020 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — The long-promised fast ferry from downtown Nanaimo to Vancouver tops the provincial wish list for federal infrastructure funding.

Re-elected MLA Sheila Malcolmson told NanaimoNewsNOW on election night the project from Island Ferry Services is top of mind for the province.

“The federal government does have a dedicated fund called foot passenger ferry, established during the Stephen Harper Conservative government. The funding was secured and awaits a final funding decision.”

David Marshall with Island Ferry Services said a new term sheet with the Nanaimo Port Authority is the last piece of the puzzle needed to proceed, if senior government funding is secured.

“The previous term sheet we had unfortunately expired. We’ve subsequently reached an agreement with Port management on lease terms, which we understand have been presented to the board,” Marshall told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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“Port board approval of those terms is the last item, the last piece, we need to move forward.”

Marshall said he’d hoped to have the service running in 2021 if the terms are agreed to.

A new term sheet with the Nanaimo Port Authority would be the latest development in a seven year quest to bring a fast ferry back to Nanaimo.

The project has suffered myriad setbacks, from interference at the Council level in 2017 to withdrawn funding in 2019.

The fast ferries are mostly constructed, but still require modifications to the exhaust system to fully meet the environmental requirements for the Strait of Georgia. Trials would ensue after the modifications.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt