Nanaimo council has voted to provide $150,000 to support the walk-on ferry service to Saysutshun — also known as Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park.
The grant goes to Snuneymuxw First Nation to help cover the costs of the 2019 and 2020 service.
City money is geared to supporting the First Nation’s planning and management roles on the island, a traditional village site.
“When a park is isolated by water but as beautiful and alluring as Saysutshun is, you need a reliable way to get there,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
The 48-passenger ferry leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo for the seven-minute ride to the island, which has 18 campsites, a playground, concession, showers, picnic tables and a dock to moor boats.
This year’s service starts March 6 and moves into full operation May 29, when it will run every 30 minutes. The cost is $7 return for adults, $5 for children between three and 12, free for those ages two and under and $1 per pet.
Snuneymuxw First Nation chief Mike Wyse said Saysutshun is a sacred village site with cultural and spiritual significance for the Snuneymuxw people.
“Through the restoration of our partnership with the city to enhance our ferry service, in addition to our continued partnership with Tourism Nanaimo and others, this advances reconciliation and contributes to unlocking the potential of the island,” Wyse said in a statement.
The park covers 363 hectares, including 334 hectares of upland and 29 hectares of foreshore, the area between the high and low tide marks.
It’s not only a draw for locals, but a tourist destination. A network of walking and hiking trails runs through the island. Walking tours are available, as is a salmon barbecue.
Over the years, the island has been home to a fish-salting plant, sandstone quarry and shipyard. The Canadian Pacific Steamship Company bought the island in 1931 to create a resort with a dance pavilion, teahouse, soccer field and wading pool. A ship tied to the Mark Bay dock was used as a floating hotel.
• For more information on the ferry, go to newcastleisland.ca/ferry-info.
