The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has signed a three-year lease extension with Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho) to ensure this valuable ferry service between Victoria and Port Angeles continues.

Extending the lease to 2016 will allow the ministry and Black Ball time to develop a long-term plan for the wharves. The ministry is also working with the Clipper Ferry to extend its lease.

The ministry will carry out an engineering assessment of the wharves used by these ferries to determine their condition, remaining lifespan and what repairs are needed. This information will be used to develop a plan for these assets, based on the scope and cost of repairs.  

Effective today, the ministry will take responsibility of the Belleville Ferry Terminal properties, as part of the dissolution of the Provincial Capital Commission. This will ensure the Government of B.C. can continue to provide the best possible use of these resources while respecting the interests of taxpayers. 

The Belleville Ferry Terminal properties will be considered in the Vancouver Island Transportation Strategy, which will work to improve the safe and reliable movement of goods and people by land, rail, air and sea on the Island. The properties will also be part of the provincewide 10-year transportation plan, which will outline the government’s vision and priorities for the next decade.

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone ─

“The Government of B.C. is committed to improving B.C.’s transportation infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. The MV Coho ferry supports local tourism, economic development and provides an important service for families and communities. Extending the lease is the first step in developing a long-term partnership and plan to improve the infrastructure, so this important service can continue.”

President and COO of Black Ball Ferry Line Ryan Burles ─

“Black Ball Ferry Line is pleased to take this first step in partnership with government toward a long-term solution for this important facility. We are committed to providing residents, commercial operators and tourists with safe, affordable and reliable transportation from Victoria’s Inner Harbour for decades to come.  We’d like to thank the ministry for acting so quickly to develop a plan of action. ”

Quick Facts:

• The MV Coho provides almost 400,000 passenger trips a year.
• The MV Coho carries more than $200 million in commercial goods every year.
• The MV Coho generates more than $120 million in economic activity on Vancouver Island each year.
• The MV Coho is expected to generate more than $1.2 billion in economic activity over the next decade.
• The MV Coho supports about 3,000 direct and indirect fulltime jobs on Vancouver Island.

Learn More:

For more information about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contacts:

Robert Adam
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241