Riverside Marine has signed a lease agreement with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority for office space at the CPR Steamship Terminal building and a water lot on the harbour, bringing passenger service between downtown Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Harbour a step closer to fruition.
The deal means service between the two cities could start this summer.
“We’re pleased to be working with the GVHA and bringing a passenger marine transportation service back to this historic building along the stunning Inner Harbour and we look forward to our visitors experiencing two of the most beautiful harbours in the world and the ocean ways in between," said Hume Campbell, chief executive of Australia-based Riverside Marine.
The company will now start retrofitting a catamaran to handle as many as 300 passengers, with expectations it could start preliminary service this summer, but full operation expected to begin in the 2017 season.
Daily sailings are expected to leave Vancouver in the morning, and from Victoria in the afternoon. The harbour to harbour trip, covering 59 nautical miles, will take up to 3.5 hours.
Riverside’s office space will be on the top floor of the terminal building, while a sales information area will be located on the main floor and support space on the lower level.
“By signing to terms on a lease with Riverside Marine B.C., we are officially welcoming a new transportation service and tourism experience to our city,” said GVHA chief executive Ian Robertson. “This new marine related business aligns with the historical use and adds vibrancy and life to Victoria's Steamship Terminal building."
Riverside is a division of Riverside Marine Australia, a family business incorporated in 1926.
The company operates divisions under the Riverside Marine Group, Rivtow Marine, RiverWijs and Fantasea Adventure Cruising brands.
The Victoria operation is its first expansion into North America.
It’s not the first time a passenger ferry has operated between the two harbours. The Royal Sealink Express lost millions of dollars due to low ridership and stopped operating after 19 months in 1993.
