Nanaimo Chamber Supports Ferry Service

Downtown Nanaimo - Vancouver Ferry Service

The Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce believes a proposed downtown to downtown ferry service could be a 'game changer' for Nanaimo.

Island Ferry Services principals Dave Marshall and Bob Lingwood were guest speakers at the Chamber luncheon where they outlined their plans for the much anticipated service. They hope to have the service up and running by the spring of next year providing 375 passengers a 68 - minute trip to Vancouver. Cost for the service would range from $24 - $31 for regular passenger service and $40 for business class.

The company needs to be able to enter into a partnership agreement with the city of Nanaimo to allow the company to secure their final piece of financing to move forward.

They are looking for the city to provide a 20 year renewable lease for property on the Wellcox downtown waterfront site in addition to $2.5 million incubation support by way of forgoing income during the first five years of operation. Island Ferry Services would be investing $63 million in this new venture.

The income streams that would flow to the City from the company would be from leasing of the space, a $0.25 'tax' levied per passenger and a 50% split of parking income. The first $2.5 million of this income would be forgiven by the city during the start-up phase of the business.

The company is looking for parking for 400 - 500 cars in addition to a site for their terminal and docking facilities for two new ships.

Chamber members in attendance were urged to demonstrate their support for the proposed service by contacting Nanaimo city council.