British Columbia

Launch of Nanaimo-to-Vancouver foot passenger ferry delayed

Island Ferry Services says the company is "disappointed" the debut of the Nanaimo-Vancouver passenger ferry has been pushed back because of negotiations and required approvals.

Nanaimo-Vancouver foot passenger ferry service faces setback due to lengthy approval process

Island Ferries is planning to provide a foot passenger ferry service that will run two catamarans six times a day. (Island Ferry Services)

The much talked about Nanaimo to Vancouver foot passenger ferry service won't be launching on time this summer, according to a post on Island Ferries' Facebook account.

The private company had planned to offer customers six sailings a day from downtown Vancouver on two brand new ferries at the end of June.

Permits need green light

The company says the delays are, in part, due to work needed for a licence to use Translink's South SeaBus Terminal in Vancouver which includes an environmental assessment on the potential impact of its operations on sea mammals.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority still needs to give the company's application the go-ahead.

The Facebook post details the outstanding approvals and permits needed to get the ferries moving. 

Island Ferries says it is "disappointed" and "diligently" working through the required regulatory processes, however, the company did not commit to a new starting date.