The Vancouver Park Board commissioners have approved a plan for an electric passenger-only ferry service to operate between Coal Harbour in Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. The proposal, introduced last year, would feature electric ferries departing from Harbour Green Park to Bowen Island for a 40-minute journey and a separate ferry to Gibsons for a 70-minute trip. CIRQL Ferries, the company spearheading the project, aims to offer an alternative to the current B.C. Ferries routes from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
The park board commissioners unanimously endorsed the proposal, empowering Vancouver city staff to initiate negotiations with CIRQL for the project. Callum Campbell, the CEO of CIRQL Ferries, explained the company’s plans to reconfigure Harbour Green Dock to accommodate the new ferry service. The envisioned changes include a dedicated area for boarding the ferries and a viewing platform, along with a designated spot for the charge barge to power the vessels.
While initially targeting a 2027 launch, Campbell now anticipates the service to commence by 2028 to allow for the construction of the necessary vessels. Each ferry can accommodate 150 passengers, 20 bicycles, and four wheelchairs in a single lounge area. The proposal received support from the park board commissioners as a step towards decarbonizing transit and offering a convenient alternative for commuters traveling to Horseshoe Bay.
Commissioner Scott Jensen praised the initiative for introducing a modern transportation system and potentially creating opportunities for bike rentals and local businesses. The proposal also received positive feedback from Gibsons Mayor Silas White, who highlighted the service’s benefits for commuters and tourism in the region. The plan was endorsed by Darren Inkster, a councillor from Sechelt, as a solution to address concerns about the reliability and capacity issues of the existing B.C. Ferries service.
CIRQL’s Campbell mentioned that the project’s estimated cost has increased from the initial projection of $60 million but assured that the venture remains financially viable. The ticket prices for the ferry service are expected to be $20 to Bowen Island and $30 to Gibsons. The company anticipates serving approximately 1,000 passengers daily and sees a growing demand for alternative ferry services, as demonstrated by the interest in similar initiatives like Hullo Ferries to Nanaimo.