Joins Snuneymuxw And Port In Agreement For Downtown Nanaimo-Vancouver Route
NANAIMO – A new partner has signed on to provide a fast foot passenger service from downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver.
Conqora Capital Partners Inc. of Toronto has entered into an agreement with the Port of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation for a long-term lease to provide access to the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf for vessel berths, welcome terminals, parking and passenger areas.
“After many years of talking about a fast passenger service coming to Nanaimo, it is with great pleasure that the Port of Nanaimo announces our unique partnership with SFN and Conqora to bring this vital service to Nanaimo,” says Donna Hais, Chair of the Port of Nanaimo. “Providing infrastructure that connects Nanaimo to the rest of the world is one of the Port’s mandates and we are excited to be able to connect people through this mode of transportation.”
Details about when the service will begin will be announced in the near future. All parties acknowledge the project will bring jobs and future development to the Assembly Wharf.
The Port of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo have been working towards having another downtown to downtown service for a number of years. The last agreement with the Port involved Island Ferries Services Ltd., but lapsed.
Previous services included Royal Sealink Express and Harbourlynx, which ceased operation in 2006.
“We are proud to work with Conqora and the NPA on the basis of respect and recognition for the greater good of everyone and the economy,” states Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wise. “Congratulations to everyone involved to make this happen and we look forward to building on this momentum, building a stronger economy and stronger foundations of respect and cooperation.”
Conqora is a Canadian private equity firm headquartered in Toronto that specializes in creating, developing and partnering with strong management teams in real-asset backed investments.
Rupesh Amin, CEO and founder of Conqora, adds: “We are working together with a common goal to affect positive impact and growth within the communities that this partnership will serve.
“Collaboration with the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo has been a great pleasure and I would like to sincerely thank them for their honesty, commitment and shared vision for this service. Conqora is excited about the potential this partnership represents.”
Amin states Conqora had previous discussions with the group associated with Island Ferries, but noted “We do not have any relationship with them, and this is a completely new and exciting partnership with the Port of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation.”
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says “Establishing a fast, reliable passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and Vancouver has been a priority for this community for the past decade. Our Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy both highlight the importance of this project.
“This Council has made downtown a priority and the arrival of the passenger ferry service aligns with public and private investments in the downtown core such as the Marriot Hotel and the redevelopment of Port Drive and Commercial Street.
“We wish all parties involved the best as this service will not only diversify our local economy, but grow it and attract new employers as well as much sought after skilled workers.