Nanaimo Harbour Ferry Visits City Council

Pickle Boats Operator Seeks Help

Mr. Barry Hobbis of the Nanaimo Harbour Ferry also known as the Pickle Boats appeared at City Council looking for help with problems his business has encountered this year.

Apparently the changes being made at Maffeo Sutton Park have created a problem for the ferry boat operator and his customers wishing to go camping on Newcastle Island. The problem stems from the difficulty encountered in getting camping gear etc. from the parking lot area to the wharf where the ferry docks.

This is a particular issue with groups needing to transport a large amount of gear for their trip to Newcastle Island. Last year they were able to drive around the park and unload at the top of the wharf. Now they need to cart everything from the parking area on foot, which is obviously very inconvenient.

City staff is apparently trying to provide an interim solution which involves them supplying carts to aid in the movement of gear. A city staff member is present to assist, but only on Monday to Friday and not there on the weekends which are the busiest times.

In another issue the Pickle Boat operator had earlier lost their docking space in the inner harbour as a result of a change with the Nanaimo Port Authority. It was reported by members of council they believed the NPA had reversed their earlier decision and that the space previously used was once again available.

It is hoped the City and the NPA can come to a suitable solution to the problems this business is experiencing, as they are a most desireable addition to downtown Nanaimo and the waterfront area in general.

If you haven't taken a ride on their ferries, put it on your 'to do' list, and remember to take your out of town guests on a short one hour tour of the harbour.