Three Operators Respond to Foot Ferry EOI
June 2, 2016
Three Operators Respond to Foot Ferry EOI
Jun 02, 2016
(Nanaimo BC – June 2, 2016) The City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) are pleased to announce that three operators have responded to the Expression of Interest (EOI) to operate a passenger-only foot ferry between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver.
Submissions were received from Island Ferry Services Ltd, Clipper Navigation, and Riverside Marine (V2V Vacations).
Receiving numerous responses to the EOI is an important step in establishing the service. The responses will now be reviewed by an independent Technical Advisory Group, with a recommended operator to be identified by October 2016.
KEY POINTS
The Technical Advisory Group will recommend a preferred operator for the service. City Council and the NPA Board will be asked to ratify the decision.
The selected operator will then negotiate a lease and operating agreement with the landlord.
The City and NPA, in conjunction with Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), view the operation of a high-speed passenger ferry service between the two cities as a catalyst that will diversify and grow the local economy.
All proponents will engage with Snuneymuxw First Nation.
QUOTES
“By working together in an open and transparent manner, the City and NPA have been successful at identifying 3 operators for the foot ferry service. We look forward to working with the NPA and SFN to bring this service to fruition.”
Tracy Samra
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Nanaimo
“The NPA Staff and Board of Directors are delighted by this strong response to the Expression of Interest. We look forward to working with the proponents to deliver this much needed ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver.”
Bernie Dumas
President and CEO
Nanaimo Port Authority
“The joint City and Port Authority Expression of Interest for proposals to operate a passenger-only ferry service has proven to be an excellent process with three quality submissions. The coming days and weeks will be thorough in determining the successful candidate. This is very exciting and optimistic times moving forward.”
Bill Bestwick
Councillor
City of Nanaimo
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CONTACT:
Tracy Samra
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Nanaimo
250.755.4401
Bernie Dumas
President and CEO
Nanaimo Port Authority
250.753.4146
Dale Lindsay
Director of Community Development
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4493