Plans for a new electric passenger ferry are in the works to connect the region, and according to the Town of Gibsons it could set sail as early as 2027 from Coal Harbour.
According to Town of Gibsons mayor Silas White, having an environmentally friendly option for transit, and with the ability to connect all three regions will have vast improvements in several key industries.
“Support for an electric passenger ferry landing by the City of Vancouver will be instrumental to a green shipping corridor for zero-emissions tourism and commuting that will reinvigorate regional economic development for all three communities,” he says. “It’ll reduce pressure on pre-existing transportation networks and re-establish a traditional foot passenger connection between Squamish Nation territories.”
Greenline Ferries CEO Callum Campbell says the goal of the service is to offer a clean, efficient alternative for those looking to commute, and with all partners in place they’re ready to start delivering soon.
“This transformative all-electric ferry service for Bowen Island and Gibsons will take cars off the road and provide a clean, efficient and convenient service into downtown Vancouver,” he says. “With this landing dock, we’ve got all the important building blocks in place.
“By working in partnership with the city and Park Board, we’ll be well-positioned to deliver this new service for commuters, starting in 2027.”
The new ferry service is expected to be used by 1000 passengers a day, which they say will take roughly 500 cars off the road and erase the equivalent emissons of eight million kilometres of driving each year.
It is estimated the trip from downtown Vancouver would take 35 minutes to reach Bowen Island and 70 minutes to reach Gibsons.
