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Post by WettCoast on Nov 30, 2018 11:29:42 GMT -8
THAT'S your argument, WettCoast? Tell me, how much are you willing to pay per one-way transit - Nanaimo/Vancouver? A selection of current one-way fares: BC Ferries including bus connections on both ends (Nanaimo-Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay-Downtown Vancouver) - ~$24.00 (cheapest, v slow, not convenient, 7 or more times daily) HarbourAir (Nanaimo Harbour to Vancouver Harbour) - $108 - $133 (fast & convenient) Helijet (Nanaimo downtown to Vancouver downtown) - $100 - $150 (fast & convenient) West Coast Express (commuter rail Mission/Vancouver) - 12.45 (comparable distance, subsidized) What one-way fare would be needed in order to allow the operator to pay their expenses & realize a modest profit on a fast commuter ferry service between Nanaimo Harbour & Vancouver Harbour? $75 perhaps?
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marino
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Post by marino on Nov 30, 2018 12:29:27 GMT -8
What's your point, WettCoast?
Are you a business person? I think not.
And, where do you get your Crystal Balls?
Why stress?
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 30, 2018 12:34:55 GMT -8
What's your point, WettCoast? Are you a business person? I think not. And, where do you get your Crystal Balls? Why stress? No, I am not a business man. But I do understand enough about business such that a business will fail if it cannot pay its expenses. I am done discussing this with you
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marino
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Post by marino on Nov 30, 2018 12:45:35 GMT -8
Okay - mark "WettCoast" down, as not a true Ferry Friend.
Sounds like something else is going on here ...
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Nov 30, 2018 12:54:51 GMT -8
Okay - mark "WettCoast" down, as not a true Ferry Friend. Sounds like something else is going on here ... At the end of your initial post yesterday, you said, "Thoughts?" People have given you some, and you're clearly not interested. You're just wasting our time. I'm done.
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marino
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Post by marino on Nov 30, 2018 13:14:37 GMT -8
Wasting, "our time."
You speak for an entire forum? Sure, Neil - LoL
It appears there is some anti-privatization bias here.
Grow up.
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Post by Mike C on Nov 30, 2018 13:33:13 GMT -8
Okay - mark "WettCoast" down, as not a true Ferry Friend. Sounds like something else is going on here ... Wait. What? You’ve been a member here for two weeks, berate members that have been participants here for over a decade, and expect us to be your “Ferry Friend”. Additionally, it seems that you truly cannot help yourself but to get the last word in on a discussion that has effectively gone nowhere. It comes off as trolling and flaming our members, and it reflects badly on you and whatever ideas you decide to represent. Consider ending this nonsense, and choosing your battles more carefully in the future.
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Post by Kahloke on Nov 30, 2018 13:43:28 GMT -8
This conversation has deteriorated rapidly and has now resorted to name calling. We respect everyone's opinions here, but personal attacks are not tolerated. We are not Twitter or Facebook. As a fellow ferry enthusiast, I think it would be great to see another ferry service, but I also understand the skepticism presented by others here. This is a service that has been tried at least a few times in the past, and it has failed every time. Blasting people for presenting their viewpoint, even if it is skepticism, is not productive. Perhaps presenting a counter viewpoint as to why you think this new venture will be successful would be a better approach? Just my two cents here.
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marino
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Post by marino on Nov 30, 2018 14:42:18 GMT -8
What "name calling"
What "berating" & "blasting"
Can someone please give some relevance?
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Post by Kahloke on Dec 2, 2018 12:17:23 GMT -8
What "name calling" What "berating" & "blasting" Can someone please give some relevance? At the risk of perpetuating a dead-end conversation, I would like to take the time to answer your specific questions here to at least dispel the notion that we are somehow being unfair in the way we are treating your posts. First question: what name calling? Okay, you are a socialist - I get it. I guess this is the only name-calling we've ween from you, so outside of this one instance, it is perhaps a bit unfair of me to call you out on name calling. Second question: what "berating"; "blasting"? THAT'S your argument, WettCoast? Time moves forward, Sir. What's your point, WettCoast? Are you a business person? I think not. And, where do you get your Crystal Balls? Why stress? Okay - mark "WettCoast" down, as not a true Ferry Friend. Sounds like something else is going on here ... Wasting, "our time." You speak for an entire forum? Sure, Neil - LoL It appears there is some anti-privatization bias here. Grow up. These are specific examples of posts you made that come off as being harsh, berating, and blasting. I do not know if that was your intent. It's often hard to gauge intent when reading blog posts, but I'm letting you know how it was interpreted. We try to cultivate an atmosphere of respect on this forum. It does not mean you have to agree with what is being said; what it means is that we expect you to present your side in a respectful manner without attacking other viewpoints. That is all I have to say on this matter.
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marino
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Post by marino on Dec 2, 2018 16:19:53 GMT -8
Thank you for your kind & restrained tone, Kahloke. I believe it is important to also remember that there was context to this dynamic discourse—clearly, 2 sides.
I agree w/ an atmosphere of respect, so I went back & reread from page 4, noting I soon felt targeted w/ unbalanced suspicion, assumptions, & naysaying, etc. ...
A couple of posters were positive (YYJ & Blue Bus Fan), though the conduct of several of the highly-opinionated brought out the wag in me.
The BC Liberal candidate who is prioritizing the foot ferry, as well as the IFS Ltd. foot ferry service itself, were unfairly dismissed here by several posters.
To call the conversation “dead-end” would be a misnomer: I brought verifiable facts to help develop & learn from this thread.
Those that don’t believe in this foot ferry project, don’t have to use it, but for the sake of all those involved - IFS & their customers - I would happily accept differing opinions, as long as they are backed by research & facts.
I.e.: IFS has stated there are no subsidies, & w/ an existing 6.1 million annual trips between the central island & metro Vancouver, the ‘history dictates failure’ arguments are controversial.
I thought a Ferry Forum would be very supportive for such an intricate, state-of-the art, much-needed service.
Again, thank you.
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Post by whalebreath on Jan 9, 2019 18:03:55 GMT -8
Well if any members here have lottery winnings they're looking to invest Now is the Time!
In fairness this article does provide some info on how long & arduous the process has been and how much has been done to date. Nanaimo passenger ferry possible for summerWalk-on passengers could be riding a direct Nanaimo-to-Vancouver ferry this summer provided needed investment funds come in for the venture, says a company official. “I can’t tell you where we stand financially, but we have one more financial hurdle to cross,” David Marshall, company spokesman, said Monday. He did not give a date when the service might launch, other than: “We are focused on the summer.” If Island Ferry Services Ltd. obtains financing it will bring two catamaran ferries to Nanaimo, he said. The 376-passenger vessels are being built in Singapore. They are expected to be completed in late May or early June, Marshall said. Nanaimo council has talked about a foot-passenger service for years. Candidates in the provincial byelection in Nanaimo are supporting the idea. Liberal Tony Harris is urging all levels of government to collaborate to help make a fast-ferry a reality. It would assist Nanaimo residents access services in Vancouver and link up to the Vancouver airport. A ferry would also allow people to live in more affordable Nanaimo and commute to work in Vancouver. The NDP’s Sheila Malcolmson said all parties in the 2015 election supported the ferry and now the company needs infrastructure investment. While sitting as a federal MP in December, she called on the federal government to support the service. Island Ferry Services has been working on its plan for several years. In 2013, a spokesman said a foot-passenger ferry service would have an excellent chance of success. But a 2014 launch didn’t happen because all the financing was not nailed down. The following year, the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Port Authority sought interest from companies to run such a service. Island Ferry Services was chosen as the favoured proponent. The service was expected to start last year, but Marshall said in June that would not take place because there were still key approvals and agreements to finalize. Most of that has now been done, leading to optimism for the 2019 year, he said. The cost of the project, including past investments, is $90 million, Marshall said. If the service goes ahead this year, the ferries, costing between $23 million and $24 million each, would go through trials in Asia and then be brought to Nanaimo for more trials at sea. This would clarify the timing of the crossing, expected to be between 68 and 69 minutes, Marshall said. A one-way ticket would be about $31, with frequent users paying $24 or $25, he said. Six round trips are planned per day, dropping to four round trips during the winter, he said. Ian Marr, co-chief executive of the Nanaimo Port Authority, said terms of an offer to lease for up to 20 years have been agreed upon with the ferry company. Improvements required at the Port of Nanaimo include installing a system to bring potable water to the pier, a sewage line to move material from the vessel, and an extension of electrical supply to the berth. A total of 105 workers would be hired.
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Kam
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Post by Kam on Jan 9, 2019 18:19:14 GMT -8
Ya.. I'm usually not a cynic but I'll believe in it when it's actually pulling away from the dock in revenue service.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jan 9, 2019 22:09:05 GMT -8
What a bizarre story. There are two boats supposedly under construction in Asia, costing a total of $48 million, 375 passengers each... for a mooted run that has never supported one boat in the past. Who is building, and who owns the boats right now? What happens if the financing doesn't materialize? Who is actually prepared to lose the $90 million the story says the whole venture will cost if it doesn't come about? Curiouser and curiouser.
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Post by WettCoast on Jan 9, 2019 22:42:17 GMT -8
You are 'right on the money', Neil . So too is Les Leyne in the times-Colonist:
Just to set the record straight, I am not against a passenger-only ferry service between Vancouver & Nanaimo. In fact I think that it would be good to see this happen and be successful in the long haul.
But history tells us it will not succeed unless government is prepared to subsidize it like they do virtually all transit services.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jan 9, 2019 22:58:14 GMT -8
You are 'right on the money', Neil . So too is Les Leyne in the times-Colonist:
Just to set the record straight, I am not against a passenger-only ferry service between Vancouver & Nanaimo. In fact I think that it would be good to see this happen and be successful in the long haul.
But history tells us it will not succeed unless government is prepared to subsidize it like they do virtually all transit services.
Thanks for the link to Les Leyne's article, Jim. I think he sums it up with the comment, " The passenger-only ferry is the maritime equivalent of the Island Corridor Foundation."I'd love to be wrong, too.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jan 13, 2019 19:07:57 GMT -8
Another note on this story: I see that the NDP candidate in the Nanaimo by-election is in support of the venture, and in fact brought it up during her time in Ottawa as an MP. I presume the Green candidate would also be supportive, so we'll see if the forum member who was pumping the tires of the Liberal candidate is actually in favor of all politicians who are 'ferry friends'. I won't hold my breath.
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marino
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Post by marino on Jan 14, 2019 9:13:59 GMT -8
Liberal candidate Tony Harris’ commitment to the IFS commuter foot-ferry service between downtown Nanaimo & Vancouver predates the NDP’s recitation, from what I have seen.
And, without verification, guessing what the Green Candidate’s policy is, is just guessing ... But hey, go Green, if that's your choice.
The positive news for Nanaimo: is the welcomed support for this much-needed ferry service.
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Post by Starsteward on Jan 15, 2019 14:46:33 GMT -8
Liberal candidate Tony Harris’ commitment to the IFS commuter foot-ferry service between downtown Nanaimo & Vancouver predates the NDP’s recitation, from what I have seen. And, without verification, guessing what the Green Candidate’s policy is, is just guessing ... But hey, go Green, if that's your choice. The positive news for Nanaimo: is the welcomed support for this much-needed ferry service. The good folks of Nanaimo who are about to cast votes in the upcoming bye-election should bear this old adage in mind: 'Careful what you wish for'. Given the current party standings in the legislature a Liberal victory would most likely trigger a provincial election. "Should", the last one standing at the end of 'election-musical-chairs' be the NDP/Green coalition, one could speculate what 'meddling' into BCFS affairs might occur under a Liberal administration. Given the well-documented contempt that the Clarke administration had for the coastal communities of British Columbia, I find it somewhat ironic that the Liberal candidate in Nanaimo is supporting the concept of the IFS commuter foot-ferry service.
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marino
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Post by marino on Jan 15, 2019 16:25:55 GMT -8
Hi Starsteward,
Could you be more factually specific, in a way that is relevant to the good folks of Nanaimo?
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Post by Starsteward on Jan 17, 2019 1:16:42 GMT -8
Hi Starsteward, Could you be more factually specific, in a way that is relevant to the good folks of Nanaimo? The woeful treatment of coastal ferry communities by the previous Liberal government is a matter of record There is provision for BCFS to establish a foot-passenger only ferry service from Nanaimo to Vancouver if they so choose to do so. To date, BCFS has opted not to venture into such a venture. The new service being proposed will require grants of public money from various sources including the province. Does the Liberal candidate, Mr. Harris have the blessing of the leader of the Liberal party to make a pledge of support for this venture? There may well be a growing level of support from those living in the Nanaimo area but to bet on receiving the public capital funds from a possible Liberal administration is highly unlikely. The voters of the area should also consider the likelihood of any of the political parties running in this by-election to support this project with public funds.
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marino
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Post by marino on Jan 18, 2019 9:46:44 GMT -8
Hi Starsteward, Could you be more factually specific, in a way that is relevant to the good folks of Nanaimo? The woeful treatment of coastal ferry communities by the previous Liberal government is a matter of record There is provision for BCFS to establish a foot-passenger only ferry service from Nanaimo to Vancouver if they so choose to do so. To date, BCFS has opted not to venture into such a venture. The new service being proposed will require grants of public money from various sources including the province. Does the Liberal candidate, Mr. Harris have the blessing of the leader of the Liberal party to make a pledge of support for this venture? There may well be a growing level of support from those living in the Nanaimo area but to bet on receiving the public capital funds from a possible Liberal administration is highly unlikely. The voters of the area should also consider the likelihood of any of the political parties running in this by-election to support this project with public funds.
Thanks for your reply, Starsteward, To your 1st point: Without seeing any relevant links/ documents (not provided), I can only - IMHO - speculate that if BCFS established a foot-ferry service from downtown Nanaimo to Vancouver, it could compete (be in conflict) w/ the Departure Bay/ Horseshoe Bay run. This may have been a basic business decision, rather than a political one. That said, a BCFS foot-ferry would then be subsidized anyway, right? I am neither affiliated w/ the BCFS nor any other entities mentioned in this thread, however, as a Nanaimo resident, I embrace that IFS Ltd., and BC Liberal candidate Tony Harris, are committed to fill this needed infrastructure void. To your 2nd point: I have read that Island Ferry Services (IFS) are not about subsidies and/ or grants, but rather, private investment. Subsidies & private investment are *very* different fish. I question the points you are trying to make, without verification. If anyone here wants to confirm anything (because I can’t now find where I read it), the contact Intel from IFS's Facebook page is: CONTACT INFOCall (250) 217-2925 m.me/islandferries info@islandferries.ca twitter.com/IslandFerriesca
Thnx
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Post by dofd on Jan 22, 2019 2:25:58 GMT -8
Well, as a Van City resident. We are not looking to have a link. I have friends that moved to the island and love it. I visit all the time and I love it. And with those friends, made new friends.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jun 1, 2019 18:17:51 GMT -8
I don’t see Island Ferry Services LTD. lunching service this year, because construction has started on terminals and vessels are not in or on way to BC.
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Post by Dane on Jun 25, 2019 9:16:52 GMT -8
Some more delay and a Q&A from their Facebook page. Looks like more financial issues than anything at this point, rather than regulatory. -- As reported in the Bulletin and elsewhere, we're disappointed to confirm that we won't be starting this summer ...but we remain committed to getting going! We have made progress in all of the key areas: • Ships are secured, are under construction, and are now committed to Island Ferries • We have agreed lease or license Term Sheets for terminals in each of Nanaimo and Vancouver. • We have completed all of the required environmental assessments and have obtained the necessary permit from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. In April 2019, we secured a substantial portion of the funding required to complete our financing. This was great news. However, we were also set back when one highly-expected source of funding did not come through. In order to respect the parties involved, we are not going to identify either of the two parties – the one going ahead and the one that, frankly, disappointed us. However, we have been working actively with our investment partners to replace those funds and are currently in a due diligence phase with two separate entities. The key questions and answers: a. Are you still active? The answer is very much – yes. We continue to attract seed investment to keep us going and we have been able to move forward on all aspects of the project b. Are you still planning on starting service this summer? Regrettably, no … we won’t have the ships here in time or the work completed in each of the two terminals in order to start this summer. c. When will you start? We have a planned start date based on ship acceptance and delivery and we are working to that plan. As soon as the one remaining (and smaller) financial commitment, we will be in a position to announce a firm start date. Finally, we'll respond to the questions and messages that we've received (and expect to receive) and commit to more frequent updates in the weeks to come. www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/foot-ferry-service-in-nanaimo-wont-happen-this-summer/
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