A pre-feasibility study looking into possible passenger ferry service between the Westshore communities to downtown Victoria and Esquimalt Harbour is in the hands of BC Ferries.
The corporation is investigating the business opportunity for a fast-catamaran passenger-only ferry service -- or the "Westshore Express." The type of vessel being considered carries 294 passengers, with the projected ticket costs pegged at $5.75.
Colwood Mayor Rob Martin is excited that the study shows at least one of the routes, between Colwood and downtown Victoria, would be financially viable the first year:
" One of the 3 options that are in the report demonstrate that the Colwood to Victoria run can actually be profitable in year one, so that it can actually, you know, the numbers are around $150,000 that will actually be in the positive from that step. So that's a huge demonstration that this can actually be an option for us."
The study also concludes significant capital investment would be needed to get the service up and running.
" So capital costs all in, when you are talking about the 3 ships, plus breakwaters at Royal Bay and infrastructure changes that would have to be done at the inner harbour, is close to $100-million. Which clearly demonstrates that we're going to need to have the province buy in to this. If the Province is not supportive of this, then this is not moving forward."
BC Ferries received the report during first week of March and shared it with stakeholders. After a review the parties will decide if the idea warrants further study.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has also been provided with a copy.
Read the report: