Vancouver Park Board officials recently gave their approval for a passenger-exclusive electric ferry service connecting Coal Harbour in Vancouver to Bowen Island and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. The plan, initially introduced last year, involves operating the electric ferries from Harbour Green Park to Bowen Island (a 40-minute journey) and then from Bowen Island to Gibsons (a 70-minute trip).
CIRQL Ferries, the company spearheading the initiative, aims to offer an alternative to the current B.C. Ferries routes to both destinations, which depart from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, approximately 20 kilometers away.
The park board commissioners unanimously backed the proposal, enabling Vancouver city officials to commence negotiations with CIRQL for the project. The company’s CEO, Callum Campbell, mentioned plans to revamp Harbour Green Dock to accommodate the ferry service, emphasizing a modular redesign to enhance functionality and provide a designated area for vessel charging and passenger embarkation.
Although initial estimates suggested operational readiness by 2027, Campbell now anticipates a launch date in 2028 to allow for the construction of the required vessels, each capable of carrying 150 passengers, 20 bicycles, and four wheelchairs in a single lounge area.
Support for the proposal stems from the park commissioners’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions in transit and offering commuters a convenient alternative to traveling to Horseshoe Bay. The commissioners view the initiative as a step towards establishing a contemporary transportation system that could potentially create opportunities for bike rentals and small businesses in the vicinity.
In response to the proposal, Gibsons Mayor Silas White expressed enthusiasm for the passenger-only service, highlighting its potential benefits for commuters and tourism. The proposal also garnered praise from Sechelt councillor Darren Inkster, who sees the electric ferries as a solution for addressing concerns about B.C. Ferries’ reliability and capacity issues during peak travel periods.
CIRQL’s Campbell noted a slight increase in the project’s estimated cost, now undisclosed, attributed to expanded terminal works. However, he affirmed the project’s financial viability. The expected ticket prices are set at $20 for Bowen Island and $30 for Gibsons, with an estimated daily ridership of 1,000 individuals. Campbell referenced the success of Hullo Ferries, underscoring the public’s interest in alternative ferry services to B.C. Ferries.