NANAIMO – Representatives from the City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Port Authority and Snuneymuxw First Nation have appointed the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the proposed Nanaimo-Vancouver Passenger Ferry Service. The TAG members will review the submissions received from Island Ferry Services Limited, Riverside Marine and Clipper Navigation.
“The Nanaimo Port Authority is excited that we are working jointly with our Port partners, the City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation, to secure a passenger-only foot ferry operator to offer new travel connections between the Central Island and the Lower Mainland,” says City Councillor Bill Bestwick. “The appointment of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is a key step in reviewing the applications and to receive independent recommendations from potential carriers.”
The independent TAG consists of a national accounting firm Ernst and Young, and marine transportation consultant Gordon Houston Associates, who will now review the submissions and make a recommendation back to the City, NPA and SFN. A recommendation from the group is expected by October 2016.
“The appointment of an independent Technical Advisory Group to review the applicants is a key step in advancing the project to a successful applicant,” says Jeet Manhas, Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority. “The selection process was thorough with all stakeholders participating.”