The Coho ferry has won three more years at the Belleville Street docks in downtown Victoria and the neighbouring Clipper catamaran is anticipating a similar new lease.
Owners of both ferry companies are hoping for long-term leases after the latest three-year term. These relatively short leases are designed to give B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation time to assess and plan for the future of the aging Belleville docks, used when the ferries carry hundreds of thousands of passengers every year.
Both ferries travels between Victoria and Washington state — the Coho to Port Angeles and the Clipper to Seattle.
Leases between the province and the two companies, key players in Greater Victoria’s tourism sector, expire this year.
The Transportation Ministry recently took over the Belleville site in Victoria Harbour. The property was previously owned by the Provincial Capital Commission, which is being dissolved by the province to save money.
Presidents of both ferry companies — Ryan Burles of Black Ball Ferry Line, owner of the Coho, and Darrell Bryan of the Victoria Clipper — said they are pleased the ministry has taken on the job of managing the docks, given its experience and expertise in handling major projects.
“I think it really makes a lot of sense,” said Burles, who is also Black Ball’s chief operating officer.
Ideally, the Coho dock would be replaced in the next two to three years, he said. It is old and needs to be replaced.
“We want a long-term lease and we are confident that we’ll get one, and get a dock that will last for 75 years, whether it be for us, or for anybody.”
Spending money on a new dock is more prudent than repairing old infrastructure, Burles said.
Bryan agrees that the Coho dock is most in need of replacement.
“The pilings are deteriorating.”
An engineering report estimates the adjacent Clipper docks are good for another 15 years, he said.
Discussions are continuing for a new Clipper lease, also at three years.
But the Clipper wants to see some kind of long-term security incorporated into the agreement, Bryan said.
Both companies provide significant economic benefits locally.
The Coho carries almost 400,000 passengers annually between Victoria and Port Angeles. The Clipper carries about 270,000 per year between Victoria and Seattle.
The Coho generates more than $120 million in economic activity on Vancouver Island each year, a provincial statement said.
A 2012 report for the Clipper said passengers generated $58.8 million in local economic impact annually, including $47.3 million in spending in the capital region.
B.C.’s statement said the province 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.”
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone said, “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.”
The Belleville Ferry Terminal lands are being looked at within the Vancouver Island Transportation Strategy developed to enhance the movement of people and goods via sea, land, air and rail.
Further, the terminal property is being examined within the province’s overall 10-year transportation plan.
