NANAIMO – John Duncan, Conservative candidate for Courtenay-Alberni announced September 10 that a re-elected Conservative government will provide the required financial support to establish the Island Ferries proposal. This will be in partnership with the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) to provide foot passenger service from downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver.
Duncan has been supportive of this initiative from the beginning and understands the positive impact it will particularly have on Vancouver Island residents. “This service will be a game changer for Vancouver Island,” he said.
“This service is green – it will lessen vehicle traffic on the lower mainland. It connects Vancouver Island residents to downtown Vancouver and the LRT system, to the Sea Bus terminal, and to the LRT system, which is a direct link to Vancouver International Airport and other major destinations in the Lower Mainland. It makes day trips affordable and feasible for people traveling in either direction. It improves the economic opportunities for business on Vancouver Island.”
He went on to stress that the development of the service is sound from a business point of view. “It improves business opportunities on Vancouver Island. The project makes sense and it has been widely endorsed by municipal governments on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.”
Mark MacDonald, Conservative Candidate for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, is a longtime proponent. “I have lost count of the letters I wrote and phone calls I made.” He said. “The Foot Passenger Ferry is THE missing link in the Central Island’s Transportation Infrastructure.”
He described the introduction of the foot passenger service as being a huge benefit for all of Vancouver Island. “You know what? Dreams do come true! This commitment is the single biggest immediate project that will have a positive, long lasting economic impact on Nanaimo, Ladysmith and most of Vancouver Island. A one hour commute to downtown Vancouver makes this area an even more attractive option for people to earn over there, and spending it here.”
“The NEDC has been working closely with Island Ferries and other partners over the past several years on this important project,” stated Charlie Parker Vice Chair of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation. “The project provides new transportation options and will boost a host of different economic sectors in our community.”