Vancouver Park Board officials have approved a proposal for an electric passenger-only ferry service connecting Coal Harbour in Vancouver to Bowen Island and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. The plan involves operating electric ferries from Harbour Green Park to Bowen Island in a 40-minute journey, and then to Gibsons in a 70-minute trip.
CIRQL Ferries, the company spearheading the initiative, aims to offer an alternative to the current B.C. Ferries routes to these destinations, which currently depart from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, approximately 20 kilometers away.
The unanimous support from the park board commissioners means that the City of Vancouver will proceed with negotiations to finalize an agreement with CIRQL. Callum Campbell, the CEO of CIRQL, mentioned that the company would take on the responsibility of constructing the necessary infrastructure and modifying the layout of Harbour Green Dock to accommodate the new ferry service.
Although initial plans suggested the service could commence in 2027, Campbell now anticipates a launch in 2028 to allow for the construction of the required vessels. The electric ferries are designed to accommodate 150 passengers, 20 bikes, and four wheelchairs in a single lounge, emphasizing a seamless and sustainable transportation experience.
Park board members endorsed the proposal as a step towards decarbonizing transit and providing commuters with a convenient alternative to traveling to Horseshoe Bay. Commissioner Scott Jensen highlighted the innovative nature of the proposal, envisioning opportunities for bike rentals and small businesses in the vicinity.
The proposal received positive feedback from Sunshine Coast officials, with Gibsons Mayor Silas White expressing enthusiasm for the service’s potential benefits for commuters and tourism. Darren Inkster, a councilor from Sechelt, emphasized the need for more reliable transportation options to Vancouver, particularly during peak travel periods when B.C. Ferries experience capacity challenges.
CIRQL’s Campbell indicated an increase in the project’s estimated cost, now undisclosed, citing expanded scope related to terminal enhancements. He confirmed ticket prices of $20 to Bowen Island and $30 to Gibsons, expecting an estimated daily ridership of 1,000 passengers. The CEO highlighted public interest in alternative ferry services like Hullo Ferries, underscoring the demand for more transportation options beyond B.C. Ferries.