Island Ferry Services Ltd.

Everyone at Island Ferries truly appreciates your support in helping us to sail across the horizon we call the finish line. #Gratitude #SmoothSailing #FinishLineIsInSight

We know that an update is (long) overdue. On our last post, we indicated that we had three major areas of work to complete and that we would post something at that time . so here goes.... We have completed an Environmental Effects Determination (essentially an environmental analysis) required by the Port of Nanaimo. It has been approved by the Port. Apart from finalizing the lease (all the terms of which have been agreed), we are ready to go in Nanaimo. We contracted fo...r a separate environmental analysis as required by Port Metro Vancouver. In addition to reviewing the work needed to replace the external structures at the South SeaBus Terminal in Vancouver, the analysis examined the impact of our operations on marine mammals. The potential impact was assessed as minimal; our operating practices and the work that we will do with others were accepted. With this, Port Metro Vancouver approved our proposed work. We have yet to conclude our negotiation with Translink (and cannot go into the details here) but discussions are well-advanced. With this work done, we are clearing the final work needed to conclude our financial contributions. Again, we cannot and will not discuss those details here but . Ship construction is on schedule. The first of the two, new ships will be ready for sea-trials in late-May/very early June. Assuming that the last pieces come together in a reasonable time frame, we will start terminal work early in 2019, take delivery of the ships in Nanaimo in late June/very early July and be up and running in the summer 2019. Although this can seem simple and/or straightforward, it is a costly and complex undertaking. But the stars are (finally) aligning and we look forward to a busy summer!

An update for our Facebook friends and followers, community supporters and future customers. First, we apologize for the delay in posting this notice. There are a host of moving parts and its a bit challenging to keep them in focus and moving in the same direction, to be transparent with you, and to remain respectful of the other parties involved in this initiative. Regrettably, we wont be starting service this summer. ...Continue reading

(please share as you consider appropriate....) A GOOD NEWS update to our post of January 8th. We recently shared with you that Translinks Request for Information process had closed, that the staff evaluation of responses appeared to be complete, and that their Real Estate team would be making contact with preferred proponent(s).... Were delighted to let you know that Translink has advised that they have accepted our response. We will shortly enter a negotiating phase which we understand will kick off with Translink seeking responses to somewhat more specific and focused due diligence questions. Our best estimate is this process will be complete that is, we will have completed negotiations for an offer of an Operating License in 2 to 3 months. Notably, we have been authorized to expand our work to include direct discussions with Port Metro Vancouver staff on aspects where their approval is needed. This is great news and a major step forward. With ship construction on schedule, our target remains to start service in the summer of 2018. Again, thanks for sticking with us and your many messages of encouragement. We look forward to serving you

Happy 2018 to our friends and followers! Although we have been responding directly to messages, email, and media and personal calls, it has been awhile since we posted broader update. Indeed, one is overdue. There are essentially 5 major components to this project terminals in each of Nanaimo and Vancouver, two Transport-Canada-certified ships, competent people, and adequate financing. Of course there is a myriad of details but these are the big pieces....Continue reading

Another update to our Facebook friends and followers, community supporters and future customers: We are pleased to post the attached Press Release, jointly issued by the Nanaimo Port Authority and Island Ferries today (Wednesday August 23rd). A full 20 months have passed since the Parties in Nanaimo decided in December 2015 to terminate the multi-party Memorandum of Understanding with Island Ferries and test the market through a Request for Proposal (which became a Request ...Continue reading

An update to our Facebook friends and followers, community supporters and future customers: We have stayed off Facebook for a while and apologize to those of you who have posted comments or sent direct messages. Our reason for doing so is this: we have been in lease negotiations for some time and have wished to remain respectful of the process, and avoid negotiating in public, via Facebook, or through the media. We continue to believe that we should respect the process, ...Continue reading

Todays Press Release from the Nanaimo Port Authority, Snuneymuxw First Nation and City of Nanaimo comes as welcome news. Island Ferries is delighted to have been identified as the preferred proponent to provide a passenger-only ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver. We look forward to commencing lease discussions/negotiations with the Nanaimo Port Authority in the very near future and providing you with the transportation option that many of you have been calling for ...and supporting for some time. Thank you! We know that many of you will want to know "when?" That will depend, at least in part, on the speed with which we can agree on a lease and make the improvements to the Ports infrastructure that are needed to support passenger-ferry operations. But our goal remains to establish an affordable, reliable, dependable, customer-friendly ferry service just as soon as we can. Well keep you posted!

Weve periodically had the same (or similar) questions regarding our planned schedule and fares. Here is some information for our FB friends all in one place. This is a starting point and will be adjusted as we understand (in even greater detail) our customers desired travel patterns. Additional, unscheduled and charter sailings can be added but are not shown. These are our projected start-up fares, exclusive of the fees to be charged by 3rd parties (which have yet to be ...negotiated). As we gain detailed understanding of our customers travel patterns and needs, we plan on a more dynamic pricing system, periodically offering much-reduced, time-of-day of last-minute fares intended to encourage and reward travel.

Island Ferries is delighted to have been identified as the preferred proponent to provide a fast foot passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. The recent announcement confirms the City of Nanaimo, the Port and Snuneymuxw First Nation have made progress on the file. As the preferred proponent, we look forward to entering into lease negotiations as soon as possible. The announcement made by the parties on Friday, January 6th is a welcome step in... that direction. Youll want to know our start date. Frankly, that depends on how quickly we can negotiate a lease with the Port and then make the necessary improvements to the Port infrastructure. Our goal is as soon as we can and hopefully by the start of the summer. This, and keeping your transportation costs as low as possible will be our focus of discussions with the Port Authority. If youd like to hear more, please listen in to CBC Radio on Wednesday, Jan 11th at 7:50 AM when David Marshall, our Director of Operations will be speaking with Gregor Craigie.

Even Santa appreciates speed and convenience!! Wishing all of our Facebook followers a very Merry Christmas. We thank you for your continued support and truly look forward to serving you as soon as possible in 2019!

Here is a shaw tv interview with Bernie Dumas from the Port Authority. He talks about the Fast Ferries at 18:30. it doesnt seem like they are in any hurry to... get the fast ferry going. He is hoping maybe to have some good news for the first quarter of next year. Doesnt seem to be in much of a hurry. The whole interview is interesting and gives you an idea of what the Port Authority is doing.

Want another option to get to and from Vancouver? Do you believe that Nanaimo needs the economic boost that a reliable, fast, passenger-only ferry service can provide? Were working hard to make that a reality. Assuming that we can establish a terminal in Nanaimo from which to operate, two new passenger-only ferries could be operating in JUNE 2017, whisking you to downtown Vancouver in under 70 minutes.... Imagine six round trips per day, 2 early departures from Nanaimo, return sailings from Vancouver at the end of the working day, and a late-night sailing leaving from downtown Vancouver 30 minutes after the end of the hockey game, even if it goes into overtime. Imagine no cost reservations where we update you directly on any changes to your sailing. Imagine being able to relax with your friend and colleagues around tables, arranged to support your desire to work, eat, read or simply have a great conversation. Imagine being able to do that while enjoying a light meal and a beer or glass of wine. Were focused on meeting your needs and doing so at a price that is affordable for commuters, business and pleasure travel, and that supports economic development in Nanaimo. Were not looking for tax breaks, below-market rents, etc, etc. We simply need a location in Nanaimo from which to serve you. If you want to Arrive Sooner starting in the SUMMER OF 2017, please speak up now and tell that to the City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Hello to our Facebook followers! Given the host of messages that we have recently received and in light of the news over the last few weeks, we feel obliged to respond to you. We have not gone away! As you know, there has been a "bit of a competitive selection process" underway. We have maintained silence out of respect for that process and in order not to be perceived to be trying to influence the Technical Advisory Groups work. Although the TAGs terms of reference and ...the evaluation criteria to be used were not shared with proponents or made public (despite our early request that they be make known), we have absolutely no reason to criticize or question the character or the professionalism of the TAG members. We have responded to each and every question that they have posed to us. In November, 2015 City Council and Port Board of Directors were advised that we had secured sufficient financing and were ready to start service in June 2016. All that was required was for the City of Nanaimo to reset the lease at the Gadd Site, though Island Ferries did offer to renegotiate the terms, if that was the Citys wish or need. In December 2015, the City and the Port announced their intention to embark on a competitive process with a goal of having a passenger-only ferry service up and running by December 2016. For reasons that are not at all clear to us, this selection process is taking an extraordinary amount of time. Here we are in mid-November 2016 and the first phase of that process evaluating responses to a Request for Expression of Interest is still not complete. Why is it taking so long? We dont have the answer to this question. The next (announced) step would be lease negotiations with the preferred proponent. As such, there is zero chance of starting the service in 4-6 weeks (that is, Dec 2016) and we see little or no apparent urgency on the part of the City and the Port. The question is why not? Again, this is not a question that we can answer. We continue to believe that we are offering the best service to Nanaimo. We have our equity commitment, we have two new ships under construction for us, and we intend to take delivery of those ships in the spring of 2017. We could be operating by the summer of 2017, if we have access to a terminal in Nanaimo from which to operate and a timely decision in order to put in place the necessary infrastructure. We remain committed to Nanaimo and this opportunity but time IS marching on and other opportunities exist. Thanks for hanging in here with us well make more information available over the next few days.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2016 Island Ferries Questions RFEI Process...Continue reading

As promised, an update providing information when Island Ferries had something to share with our followers: Island Ferries wants to renew a lease with the City of Nanaimo, as we now have the financial commitment to start passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. Read more on this exciting news and the challenges that lay ahead here: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/370842471.html

From CHEK News: http://www.cheknews.ca/candidates-say-if-their-party-forms/ The Liberal and NDP candidates in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding say their parties would increase the federal subsidy for BC Ferries if their party forms a majority government. They also say they would fund a proposed Nanaimo to Vancouver foot passenger ferry service by private company Island Ferry Services.... Absolutely, says Liberal candidate Tim Tessier. Just this past week we did an historic announcement on our investment into infrastructure and transportation and the passenger ferry service qualifies under that program. The NDPs Sheila Malcolmson says Id like to become MP and get in there and find out whats the best way is to support the project. And the Green candidate, who certainly wont be part of a majority government says, if elected, he will advocate for the foot passenger ferry service as well. You need to make sure its funded properly and the business model is sound to do it, says Paul Manly. But I totally think it makes sense to have a fast ferry from downtown to downtown. On Thursday Vancouver Islands Conserservative candidates pledged to fund the passenger ferry service if the Tories formed a majority government. Where theres a marked difference between the parties is the federal subsidy for BC Ferries. Atlantic Canadas ferry passengers get 350 times the federal subsides that BCs ferry users receive according to a Union of BC Municipalities study. Conservatives have not pledged to increase it but the other candidates have. This is our highway, says Malcolmson. Its been neglected and wed like to get in their and equal the balance out. Tessier says, Too much of it has been put onto the backs of the users and the taxpayers in British Columbia. We need to catch up with inflationary costs of running a ferry system, says Manly. It is a federal highway and it should be subsidized accordingly. None of the candidates would give a hard number for a subsidy increase to BC Ferries.

While Island Ferries appreciates the political debate and banter, IFSL prefers our FB page remain focused on what we are trying to do for Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. Island Ferries goal has been and continues to be to establish a service in demand by 90+% of Nanaimo residents. And, having worked with the current government for 13 months, are seeing that work come to some sort of fruition. Folks...at least on this FB page, lets focus on the service offering (pro and con) a...nd engage in the much needed and quite valid political discourse in a more appropriate site. Any comments posted on Island Ferries site deemed to have a negative focus toward ANY political party will be removed.

Happy Canada Day. Theres lots of fun to be had in City of Nanaimo Local Government today. Visit http://www.gonanaimo.com/rss/nanaimo-events.html to set sail on your Canada Day adventure.

To all the Dads that are the anchor of the family. Happy Fathers Day. Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Island Ferries is working hard behind the scenes to being service to City of Nanaimo Local Government. Thank you for your patience we know how anxious you are for a launch date. There is a proverb that reads: it is not the towering sail but the unseen wind that moves the ship. ... We are equally excited and look forward to the day we can announce the ship is sailing.

Happy Mothers Day from all of us at IFSL. To all the moms being celebrated, honoured and remembered today, Thanks for being you.

SHOUT OUT to City of Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay who takes every opportunity to promote #IFSL. We so appreciate it. Listen in at aprox 1:07 in this recent CHEK news media interview.

Thank you to the Members of the Legislative Assembly who joined the IFSL team today at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Personal extension of thanks goes to Melissa Nowaskiwaki for her efforts in working with IFSLs Kathleen Burton and Dave Marshall in organizing todays MLA luncheon. Thank you Ralph Sultan, Marvin Hunt, Mike Morris, Richard Lee, Simon Gibson and Doug Bing for attending. It was an honour to share the IFSL story with you. Thank you for your willingness to share the enthusiasm for the project with your Caucasus colleagues, Minister Stone and Premier Clark.

IFSL was pleased to attend the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance transportation forum at the Union Club this week. We also look forward to the Nanaimo State of the Island Economic Summit October 28 & 29, 2015! Exciting things can happen when transportation partners all work together.

Day light savings time. Spring ahead one hour tonight. Welcome Spring! Change your batteries in your smoke detectors too. We thought Day Light Savings was a good opportunity to give another up to date report for those who havent been on Facebook as of late. ... As recent reports by IFSL have mentioned, we had hoped for a March launch. A revised date has not as of yet been confirmed. As past comments have reflected, once we have more details and more defined timelines we will happily post to our social media channels to keep everyone in the loop. Thank you to each of you for your patience and continued support.

We have received a few private messages looking for an update. While we have responded individually to all the messages we also thought it a good opportunity to give a more upto date report to you all. IFSL had hoped for a March launch. A revised date has not as of yet been confirmed. As past comments have reflected, once we have more details and more defined timelines we will happily post to FB to keep everyone in the loop. Thank you to each of you for your patience and continued support.

Hello Facebook fans. No news to share. That said, we want to remind everyone that as soon as we have good news to share you can be sure we will post it here. In the meantime, the IFSL team is hard at work behind the scenes to bring a new ferry service to you as soon as we possibly can.

A fun upbeat song about Vancouver Island played on CBC called Ferry Me Home...

Have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve everyone.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Island Ferries!

Thank you to all of our supporters in and around Nanaimo, throughout Vancouver Island and, indeed, from Metro Vancouver. *This* is what 1,750+ letters of support (garnered over 6 weeks) looks like. Add to these specific letters from the Mayors and/or Councils of Vancouver, Colwood, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Langford, Sidney and Parksville and from Chambers of Commerce up and down Vancouver Island. BCs Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Hon Todd Ston...e and Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell wanted to know "just how much support is there anyway?" Well, you have spoken. And we were pleased to deliver these to Minister Stones office on Dec 11th. You have encouraged their government to prioritize the City of Nanaimo-Island Ferries application to the New Building Canada Fund as soon as possible. We trust that the government will respond accordingly. Soon ! Thank you ... and Merry Christmas to all of our future customers and friends!

Congratulations to newly elected Bill McKay and Councillors Bestwick, Brennen, Kipp as well as all the new leaders to the table. Thank you for your commitment to Nanaimo and leadership. Thank you also goes out out going Mayor John Ruttan, the Island Ferries Team has so appreciated working with you and wish you all the best for your next adventure.

This evenings Shout Out of Thanks goes from one end of Vancouver Island to the other! Thank you to Mayor John Douglas and Council, City of Port Alberni and to Mayor Carol Hamilton and Council, City of Colwood. Please join the City of Port Alberni & the City of Colwood lend YOUR voice http://goo.gl/jXXIOR

Shout Out to Mayor Gregor of the Vancouver Mayors Office from the team here at IFSL. We really appreciate the support from across the pond in YVR. Come sail away, come sail with me.... Thank you!

Thanks for your support Mayor Jangula and Courtenay Council. Council agreed Monday to write a letter of support for IFSL that would connect Nanaimo and Vancouver. http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/281707261.html

THANK YOU to all of our supporters who have called, emailed, tweeted and Facebooked us asking if the recent BC Ferries news has rocked Island Ferries boats. No, it has not (though we are following the news with great interest!) Those of you who have been following our story know that IFSL is not BC Ferries. For those of you that dont, lets be clear here: this is a BC Ferries story and, as such, it is theirs to tell, not ours. The current story is 99.5% about their servic...e from Mid-Island to Vancouver and is not about the service that Island Ferries will bring to you. BC Ferries statement as outlined on page 20 of a public document dated September 30, 2014 submitted to the British Columbia Ferries Commissioner entitled British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Strategies for Enhanced Efficiency in Performance Term Four and Beyond indicates that one option to improve mid-island corridor service efficiency may include "...leveraging a passenger only service..." (whatever that means). We in Island Ferries would be happy to discuss how leveraging our passenger only service might benefit all those who travel between the mainland and mid-Vancouver Island while BC Ferries addresses their very real infrastructure and cost challenges. In the meantime, Island Ferries continues work to secure a New Building Canada Fund grant from the Federal Government. We are *not* seeking any funds from the Provincial Government; we simply need the Provincial Government to assign it a high priority under the established NBCF Program. Island Ferries invites individuals from Nanaimo, Mid-Island, the Mainland and anyone else interested in seeing Island Ferries offer a foot passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver to follow the link and complete the support letter. To date over 1,600 letters have been completed from supporters all over Canada. Quite remarkable and much appreciated! You can join the chorus of voices and express your support for a passenger-only ferry to Minister Todd Stone by following this link http://goo.gl/jXXIOR Island Ferries application has been sponsored by the City of Nanaimo. We look forward to a *timely* decision by the Province to prioritize the application *soon*. Once we enter into a Contribution Agreement with Infrastructure Canada, YOU and passengers like you will be just six months away from being welcomed aboard. Thank you for your continued support.

There are two of these beautiful ships just waiting to sail to bring YOU and your loved ones back and forth from Nanaimo to Vancouver. But, we need your help. We are calling on all of our Facebook friends to lend their support by Likeing, Shareing this post as it includes a link to a letter writing campaign demonstrating support of a Island Ferries to Minister Todd Stone and the Province of BC. http://goo.gl/jXXIOR We started the campaign just a few weeks back and already over 1,200 letters have been signed! THANK YOU Nanaimo, Vancouver, Mid Island and Victoria for your support, even those of you from Toronto. Keep them coming. We truly value your support. THANK YOU! Together we can have our ships sailing and be working for you in the Spring of 2015!

Hilary Eastmure of 917 CoastFM caught up to his Worship, the Mayor of Nanaimo yesterday at UBCM to learn more about how the City is supporting IFSL by urging the Province to make IFSL a priority for British Columbia. http://917coastfm.com//nanaimo-mayor-urges-province-to-su/ "