NANAIMO – At its December 7 Special In-Camera Council meeting Nanaimo City Council offered its support to the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) in its efforts to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a foot passenger ferry service linking Nanaimo and Vancouver.
“Council is looking forward to working with the NPA through the RFP process to identify an operator for the foot passenger ferry. This project is a priority for both organizations. We hope to have a foot ferry operating from the NPA Cruise Ship Terminal by the end of 2016,” explained Mayor Bill McKay
On November 27 the NPA released an announcement expressing its interest in issuing the RFP. “The Nanaimo Port Authority Board of Directors and staff are looking forward to working with the City of Nanaimo as well as our surrounding communities to create a RFP process that will secure a successful foot passenger service for Central Vancouver Island,” stated Jeet Manhas the Chair of the NPA.
In a media release December 9 the city stated: “It’s Council’s belief that both the City and the NPA will benefit from working together in an effort to see a foot passenger ferry service created. It is therefore in the City’s best interest to support the NPA with a joint RFP.”
Key Points:
- Council supports an open, collaborative and transparent RFP process in the development of a foot passenger ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
- A collaborative approach involving a number of local organizations working together, including the NPA, Snuneymuxw, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation and the City, has many benefits, including the coordinated development of Nanaimo’s waterfront.
- Moving forward, Council hopes that Island Ferry Services Limited will participate in the NPA’s RFP process with a strong proposal.