Gitxaala Nation launches program for Ferry replacement by 2022

Gitxaala Chief Councillor Linda Innes in Prince Rupert December 2019
(Photo from CityWest broadcast of Prince Rupert 2030 vision)

If all goes according to plan, a new marine transport vessel should be pulling into port in Prince Rupert by 2022, with the Gitxaala First Nation announcing today that they have selected their partners towards the construction of a new ferry for the community.

The project was rolled out this morning by the Gitxaala Ferry Committee which outlined some of the background towards the project which has been awarded to 3GA Marine Limited and Commodore Boats Limited who will have just under two years to deliver the vessel that will serve residents of Kitkatla and Prince Rupert as well as visitors to the North coast.

The decision came after extensive review by the Ferry Committee and the project management firm MNP, the call for requests for proposal was issued in May of this year.

In comments on the successful contract award today, Chief Councillor Linda Innes made note of the anticipation the community has for the introduction of the new vessel and how funding through the LNG Benefits Agreement of 2019 will bring the project forward.

"Our members have been calling for a new modern ferry to travel back and forth from Prince Rupert for many years and the LNG Benefits Agreement provided the funds to allow Council and the Committee to proceed with the project. We look forward to 2022 when the new vessel will be commissioned and available for our members and visitors to use and enjoy"

No details as to the anticipated cost for the new vessel were released today, though a glimpse as to what the new ferry will look like was offered, which you can review below.

Some preliminary design work for a new Ferry for the Gitxaala First Nation
(from Gitxaala First Nation website)

When the vessel takes to the water it could be arriving at a new location in Prince Rupert, that as plans continue to move forward on a new dock location on the Prince Rupert waterfront at the Kwinitsa Station area temporarily identified as Rupert's Landing.

A project which the Gitxaala First Nation are a significant partner on, along with the City of Prince Rupert and the Provincial government.

The proposed dock was first made note of in 2016 and more recently at last December's Prince Rupert 2030 presentation at the Lester Centre.

That place name however may soon fade from our view, with Prince Rupert City Council having recently shown some enthusiasm towards a name change to better reflect First Nations on the North Coast.

The new ferry dock would also serve as the terminal point for the city's Airport Ferry, with City Council moving forward with their commitment towards it in July, approving a motion that would move forward with the city's cost towards the project as well as any cost over-runs. 

Though as of July 20th, the City did not have any details as to how much the civic portion of the proposed dock would be.

More notes on today's announcement and further comment from the Ferry Committee can be reviewed here.