By Dominic Abassi

Dinghy Dock Pub, Protection Island ferry service put up for sale

Feb 4, 2019 | 4:43 PM

NANAIMO — An iconic fixture of Nanaimo’s inner harbour is on the market.

Protection Island’s Dinghy Dock Pub went up for sale in late January. The $2.6-million price tag includes the pub, the ferry service which runs between Nanaimo’s inner harbour and the island, the commercial dock and a waterfront home on Protection.

Realtor Mike McKillican, with Sutton West Coast Nanaimo, said the current owner is looking to move on from running the multi-faceted business after purchasing it for $1.3 million in 2004.

McKillican said he’s already heard from locals concerned about the future of the small island’s only restaurant and ferry connection to Nanaimo. He said at this point everyone who has expressed interest in the listing is looking to carry on the businesses.

Concern for the future of the pub goes well beyond the West Coast as well.

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“We’ve had people from Australia inquiring just wondering if it’s going to be open next summer,” McKillican said. “I’m from Alberta and whenever we have somebody from the prairies comes to visit us, that’s the first place we take them because it’s so unique.”

The Dinghy Dock opened in 1989 and coined itself as Canada’s only registered floating pub.

McKillican said there is nothing about the sale or land title which would require a potential new owner to keep the restaurant open or continue running the ferry service.

David Carter, a director with the Protection Island Neighbourhood Association, said there will be a community meeting this week to discuss the potential sale. Speaking for himself, Carter said he’s not overly concerned about the future of the ferry connection, noting the pub is only a viable business as long as the ferry continues to run.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi