A ferry built in 2000 will be refitted to sail between Port Hardy and Bella Coola by the summer of 2018.
The provincial government made the announcement Wednesday, committing $15 million to purchase the vessel, currently named the Aqua Spirit. The ferry will replace the 44-year-old Nimpkish, which provides year-round connector service between Bella Coola and other mid-coast ports of Bella Bella, Ocean Falls and Shearwater.
Minister of State for Rural Development Donna Barnett said tourism operators in the Cariboo and Chilcotin are ready to welcome visitors from around the world as a result of this new direct service to Bella Coola.
“I look forward to working with the local and First Nations tourism industries to help them make the most out of this opportunity,” she said.
BC Ferries president and CEO Mark Collins said BC Ferries looked at numerous ships on the global market using experienced ship brokers and direct contacts.
“We believe this vessel, with its strong sea-keeping ability, size and enhanced amenities, will provide an excellent experience for customers exploring the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest, Collins said.
The ferry can accommodate more than 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew and all passenger areas will be refurbished including lounges, galley, washrooms and outer-deck.
“Our investment in this enhanced service will help generate additional interest in tourism along the mid-coast and throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.
Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada said the Aboriginal tourism industry and its partners from the Mid Coast Working Group are celebrating increased ferry access.
“The tourism industry, in partnership with First Nations, have created a new tourism vision and today we can ensure marketing and future product development to build this vision together,” Henry said.
Summer service is scheduled to begin in 2018 and will run from mid-June through mid-September on the direct route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola five times per week. The ship will also provide service to other mid-coast ports of Bella Bella, Ocean Falls and Shearwater in the summer, as well as in the off-season.
The voyage between Port Hardy and Bella Coola will take approximately 10 hours and is planned to be conducted in the daytime to maximize tourism potential.
BC Ferries said it will be engaging with the mid-coast community regarding the sailing schedule and the naming of the vessel.
“The Province recognizes that the new service will result in incremental costs to BC Ferries over and above the existing service on route 10S,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “
