The BC Ferry Commissioner is approving BC Ferries’ first cable ferry.
It will be the world’s longest and serve the route between Buckley Bay and Denman Island.
Ferries submitted a final application for a capital expense with the Commission in December of last year, but the idea has been under discussion for a lot longer. And, it’s been controversial, with some residents expressing worries about reliability and safety.
Commissioner Gord Macatee is putting five conditions on the approval, including a requirement that BC Ferries have a plan to deal with the impact of a service disruption caused by a mechanical breakdown.
Macatee says, “I’m satisfied that a new cable ferry will meet the needs of local residents and contribute to the sustainability of B.C.’s ferry system. The decision to approve the cable ferry was made with the interests of all ferry users and taxpayers in mind. The cable ferry is less expensive to operate and therefore will reduce pressure on future price caps. Also, I am satisfied it will be as reliable as the existing vessel on route 21. It is an innovative project that draws on world-wide expertise.”
