Vancouver Island Ferry Company Will Have Two 350-seat Vessels For 70 Minute Trip
Port Chair Donna Hais
NANAIMO – A new downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver fast foot passenger ferry is expected to be in full operation by next summer.
The Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) announced November 9 that it with negotiations completed with the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, and two new vessels on their way, the service will prepare for its initial voyages next spring. Nanaimo’s dock will be at the Port, with Vancouver’s terminal at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the trip, which will take 70 minutes from harbour to harbour.
“Islanders and Mainlanders have been asking for a modern, fast and cost-effective way to travel between the Island and Vancouver. We are so excited to be bringing forward an essential transportation service to the region and are committed to its long-term success,” says Alastair Caddick, CEO of Vancouver Island Ferry Company. “We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in Summer 2023.”
VIFC’s inaugural fleet will be comprised of two high-speed catamaran vessels built by Netherlands-based Damen Group, and each vessel will have capacity for over 350 passengers. Further details on launch plans, sailing schedules, and fare prices will be unveiled in early 2023.
“Vancouver Island Ferry Company will bring many positive economic impacts to the region. Looking at tourism, the opportunity is extraordinary,” states Port Board Chair Donna Hais. “The ability to have people in Vancouver come over for the day, weekend or longer and see what a fabulous community we have and really bring the world here in a modern and reliable new way, is incredible.”
VIFC worked in collaboration with Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), Port of Nanaimo the Nanaimo Port Authority and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre to bring the deal to completion.
Bill Yoachim, acting Chief of SFN, states “the creation of the Vancouver Island Ferry Company in Snuneymuxw territory provides amazing employment opportunities, diversifies the economy and ultimately brings people to this beautiful community to play and live. We are truly excited for people to come and learn about the Snuneymuxw people, territory, and our culture.”
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Nanaimo, VIFC is led by Caddick, with 25 years’ experience in both private and public sectors in transportation, finance, real estate and management consulting.
Caddick is the founder of Cascadia Partners, a BC-based management consulting firm focused on helping BC companies navigate complex challenges, make better-informed decisions, and improve their operations. Prior to Cascadia, he was a Vice President with CHC Helicopter in Vancouver.
Damen Group issued a statement for the announcement, noting “At Damen we are excited to see this ferry service come to life, and we take pride in building and delivering two high-quality fast ferry vessels to VIFC.
“But we also see this as the start of a long-term relationship and will not just leave after delivery; with our Damen Service Hub based in Victoria we are just around the corner to provide VIFC with in-service support for a safe, reliable and comfortable ferry service that will connect communities.”
There have been other companies that have also looked into the possibility of making a new link between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Two years ago, B.C. Ferries announced they would not be interested in creating a foot passenger link between Vancouver and Nanaimo. There have been two previous attempts at the service, first by Royal Sealink Express then Harbourlynx, which ceased in 2006.
Central Vancouver Island real estate markets are strong, and the expectation is that a foot passenger ferry would increase demand, since it would offer a commuting link where employees would work in Vancouver and live in Nanaimo, where housing is much more affordable.
By Mark MacDonald
