Boats will connect Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Gibsons. City speeds up things at Harbour Green Dock.
Bowen Island’s mayor said this helps his community and reduces traffic and connects residents. He mentioned recent ferry service cuts caused hardship.
Greenline plans fast, electric ferries for passengers only. Docks will be on Bowen Island, Gibsons, and Vancouver. Coal Harbour will have charging too. Three trips daily between Vancouver and Bowen take 40 minutes. Four daily trips to Gibsons take 70 minutes.
The project costs around $60 million. Studies are done with B.C. Hydro funding. Ottawa’s tax credit will help. Greenline’s founder, Callum Campbell, is excited. Campbell designs ferries and once directed inland ferries for the province.
Coal Harbour won’t have lounges or terminals. People board as the ferry charges, then they will quickly depart. Campbell’s company engaged with communities and First Nations and BMT designed the vessel. Ferries hold 20 bikes and four wheelchairs.
Greenline aims for 1,000 daily tickets. Supporters say this cuts 500 car trips and travelers could save about $20 per trip. A councillor said the ferry reduces downtown traffic, improves air quality, and lessens noise. It helps Vancouver meet climate goals.
Council members want to use Harbour Green Dock to accommodate Greenline ferries. The park board sees the dock’s unrealized potential and wants sustainable transport. It must also maintain recreational value.
The ferry could generate $1 million for the park board. This would be the second passenger ferry service in Coal Harbour since Hullo Ferries began service to Nanaimo in August 2023.
