Despite suspending its commuter service between Vancouver and Gibsons, Pacific Ferries has made a formal pitch to be part of a potential business case for provincially subsidized passenger ferries on the Coast.
The Town of Gibsons has been in discussions with Transportation Minister Claire Trevena about the possibility of a pilot project.
After a meeting with the minister in April, Coun. Jeremy Valeriote put forward a motion – that got unanimous backing – to have Town staff look into the costs of drafting a “business case” to be used to “inform further discussion with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure regarding possible sources of funding to support such a service.”
Ihab Shaker of Pacific Ferries told Coast Reporter that his company is interested in being involved as a pilot project or case study. He also said one of the challenges faced by private operators is the fact that passengers do not have to pay to travel from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay, and cited that as one of the reasons that Pacific Ferries scrapped its early-morning trip from Gibsons to Vancouver. A Vancouver-Gibsons run aimed at returning commuters was also suspended this week because it wasn't attracting enough passengers. The company will continue to stop in Gibsons as part of its Howe Sound tours.
In a submission to the Town and the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce, which was copied to Coast Reporter, Shaker said, “Pacific Ferries proposes operating a direct ferry service pilot project for six months to help produce more accurate results for the study and provide a real and precise business case.”
The proposal suggests a partnership between Pacific Ferries, the Town and “other stakeholders” such as the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Sunshine Coast Tourism, developers, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority.
“While the main purpose of the pilot project is to provide a business case for provincial funding and subsidies, it will also have a positive social and economic impact as it will introduce and cultivate the Sunshine Coast as a tourist destination to millions of Lower Mainland residents and visitors,” Shaker’s proposal said. “[A] percentage of the funds will be used to market and promote this service to bring in more tourist dollars as well as promote the Sunshine Coast as a more affordable place to set up new businesses and live as well as attract new investments and projects.”
Gibsons chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado confirms that the Town is reviewing Pacific Ferries’ proposal, but work has yet to start on the business case.
“Discussions with Pacific Ferries and others are likely to happen soon, once we have better understanding of the type or form of the information, identify a funding source and define timelines,” Machado said in an email to Coast Reporter.
