With a docking agreement still not in place, Coastal Link Ferries (CLF) now has plans to start their passenger ferry service in Gibsons by mid-July.
CLF has been undergoing sea trials on its vessel the Coastal Runner while behind the scenes trying to get a docking agreement in place with the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority (GLH).
The two sides were to have met last Saturday, but CLF chief operating officer captain Ihab Shaker cancelled that meeting."I don't mind meeting if there is something to discuss, but what they are asking is unreasonable," Shaker said. "It's way over what the Sea Bus terminal is asking. I will pay, but it has to be reasonable. There is nothing to negotiate. I need to have the business going. I can't afford to make promises and know that I can't deliver."
When asked if a deal is not in place what CLF's plans are, Shaker said he wouldn't discuss that, only saying "some way we will get a deal done."
Shaker said he had to cancel the meeting as Transport Canada needed more time on the vessel last Saturday.
"Transport Canada has been trying to help expedite the process, but this is a required process of any vessel for the safety and security of all, so any delay here is always a good thing," added CLF marketing director Peter Green.
Carol Doyle with the GLH said on Monday they are prepared to meet with Shaker at any time to discuss a docking deal.
"The ball is back in his court. All he needs to do is call us and we can have a meeting," said Doyle.
"We are hopeful that a negotiated agreement with the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority will soon be in place," added Green. "This process has been stalled by a series of issues that we believe can be easily resolved."
The Coastal Runner can hold 71 passengers, plus crew. The vessel is designed to operate as a transportation vessel so while interior comforts may not compare to the Queen of Surrey, she will save time for our commuters, Green said.
"We anticipate that the average downtown Vancouver commuter will save at least one hour of his or her day and some much more," Green said. "We hope to avoid any unfulfilled promises and are focusing on a mid-July service launch, with a full schedule commencing on Aug. 1. With so many parties involved - Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, Transport Canada, etc. - we are open to ensuring everything is in good order before we launch the service. We are anxious - as anxious as many commuters - to commence service."
Green said CLF plans to make a promotional visit to Gibsons soon to allow people to inspect the vessel and perhaps take a short spin to see how it functions.
