A proposed passenger-only electric ferry service linking downtown Vancouver with Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast is gaining significant momentum, with a crucial report set to go before the Vancouver park board next week. This innovative transportation project aims to enhance regional connectivity while promoting environmental sustainability.
Key Vote Scheduled for Monday
The Vancouver park board is expected to vote on the proposal this coming Monday. If approved, this decision would authorize city staff to enter into negotiations with Victoria-based Cirql Ferries to establish a formal agreement for the service.
Preferred Location Identified
Park board staff have identified a "preferred concept" for the project, which would utilize the public dock at Harbour Green Park located at the north end of Bute Street. This site was selected after Cirql Ferries assessed two other potential locations near the SeaBus terminal and seaplane terminal over the past year.
The Harbour Green dock, originally constructed in 2003 by a developer, has been underutilized and costly to maintain, requiring several repairs due to design problems, site conditions, and damage from unauthorized vessels. The ferry proposal presents an opportunity to revitalize this aging infrastructure at no cost to the park board.
Project Details and Features
The proposed facility would include several key components designed to benefit both transportation users and the public:
- A "charge barge" serving as both a charging station and ferry landing
- A publicly accessible viewing platform
- A dock for short-term recreational use
- Improved electrical transformer infrastructure
- Trenching for utilities through Harbour Green Park
Cirql Ferries, formerly known as Greenline Ferries, is expected to cover all costs associated with design, construction, and implementation, including the dock, viewing platform, and charging infrastructure.
Environmental and Transportation Benefits
"Vancouver is defined by its waterfront, the seawall, that lifestyle piece, but there's such huge opportunity to also be moving people in transportation beyond the bridges and B.C. Ferries," said Cirql founder Callum Campbell. "We're excited about re-engaging that part of the waterfront."
The proposed facility would provide an all-electric, zero-emission passenger ferry service while maintaining public access and improving interregional connectivity. The floating charge barge would serve as a charging station that helps avoid strain on the electric grid while functioning as a ferry landing for passengers.
Service Plans and Timeline
Cirql plans to operate two battery-electric vessels, each capable of carrying up to 150 passengers, 20 bicycles, and four wheelchairs. The company has proposed two distinct routes:
- A Vancouver-Gibsons service taking approximately 70 minutes each way with four daily round trips
- A Vancouver-Bowen Island route taking about 40 minutes with three daily round trips
The company is targeting a 2028 launch for the service, with final details about how the existing dock will be retained to be determined later in the planning process.
Revenue Sharing and Precedent
The city would receive a share of revenues from the ferry operations, which could help offset costs such as emergency services and bylaw enforcement associated with the service. This model follows the precedent set by Hullo Ferries, which launched service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo in 2023 and carried approximately 400,000 passengers in its first year.
Hullo Ferries recently announced fare increases of $3 to $4, bringing adult one-way tickets to $42.99, while also introducing a new $19.99 fare tier available for up to 20 tickets on select non-holiday weekday sailings.
The proposed electric ferry service represents a significant step toward sustainable transportation alternatives in the Vancouver region, potentially reducing reliance on traditional ferry services and bridges while providing environmentally friendly connectivity to popular coastal destinations.
