Electric passenger ferry could connect Vancouver to Bowen Island, Gibsons

An electric passenger ferry is one step closer to docking in downtown Vancouver.

An electric ferry service is one step closer to docking in downtown Vancouver, and providing an alternative transportation option for those living in Gibsons and on Bowen Island.

On Friday, all three levels of government threw their support behind B.C.-based Greenline Ferries’ plans to launch two electric ferries at Harbour Green Dock in Coal Harbour.

Callum Campbell, the founder of Greenline Ferries, said the project includes three charging stations and is valued at $60 million.

He added, there wouldn’t be major upgrades to the site, and that the park would not change.

“The passenger ferry itself is a people mover, so we’re not building lounges,” he said. “We’re not building terminals. We’re there to serve people.”

‘There’s a need’

Campbell said the company’s ridership model is showing about 75 passengers on average per ride, and about 1,000 passengers daily.

Trips from the mainland to Bowen Island are expected to take 40 minutes, while trips to GIbsons will take around 70.

“We’ve been building this opportunity because we see that there’s a need,” he said.

The mayors of both communities agree, saying this kind of ferry service is crucial to residents.

“Being from Gibsons, I got up at 5:30 a.m. this morning to get here for this press conference, and hopefully we can change that in the future,” said Mayor Silas White.

Reliable, efficient

Greenline Ferries said this transportation model will also cut down on emissions, eliminating the equivalent of eight million kilometres of driving yearly.

Andrew Leonard, the mayor of Bowen Island Municipality, said an electric ferry service isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about securing a reliable, modern, and efficient future.

“Ferry service is our connection to work,” he said. “It’s our connection to health care, our connection to schools and everything in between.”

Joint motions

At Friday’s news conference, Vancouver city Coun. Rebecca Bligh announced she’d be tabling a motion Feb. 26.

If passed, it would direct staff to engage with Greenline Ferries on feasibility work.

“The City of Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 plan calls for infrastructure to realize a future where alternative, clean forms of transportation – such as a passenger ferry service – are more convenient, rapid, affordable, and enjoyable,” she said.

Vancouver Park Board commissioners Laura Christensen and Brennan Bastyovanszky will also be tabling a motion focused on renewing Harbor Green Dock and completing infrastructure upgrades.

“The Harbor Green Dock has been a vital part of Vancouver’s waterfront, but its potential has never really been fully realized,” Bastyovanszky said.

“That’s why the park board is taking an active role in exploring how this public asset can support sustainable, low-carbon transportation, while maintaining its recreational value.”

If the motions are successful, the service could be operating by 2027.