Squamish could be the location of a brand new passenger ferry terminal if a deal can be struck to sell 10 acres of Oceanfront land to ferry company Strait of Georgia Transit (SGT), said company executives during a presentation to council a week ago Tuesday (July 18).
The proposed $15- to $20-million project could eventually bring 250 new jobs to town, said Maurice Gagné, CEO of SGT, a wholly owned subsidiary of astrolab Marine Group of Vancouver.
The service would capture not only the growing commuter traffic pouring out of Squamish, but the tourists pouring into the area.
"Tourists want a place out of Vancouver where they don't see the skyline," said Gagné. "The tourist industry is looking for a destination. Squamish can be that destination."
Gagné said Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) CEO Mike Chin suggested the southwest portion of the Oceanfront property as a possible location for a light industrial terminus, which would allow for the maintenance, painting and the building of the 50-passenger ships.
The land's value is contingent on factors such as existing services, said Mayor Ian Sutherland, but he estimates 10 acres could be worth between $5 and $10 million.
"There's still lots of work to be done to make it happen," he said.
Even though the business would bring huge benefits to Squamish, the district cannot sell the property to SGT at a reduced rate due to provincial regulations.
"We can't be seen to favour one business over another," said Sutherland.
At present, SGT consists of two vessels licensed and certified to begin the service in Squamish and Bowen Island with a fare of $25 one way. An SGT report also details a planned expansion to downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast, and a possible monthly pass that could reduce the fares to $35 round trip.
Gagné said he was very confident he could meet local Harbour Master Bill McEnery requests.
"I'm looking forward to living here," said Gagné.
