ryan willman
Arrow Lakes News
As part of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan, B.C. on the Move, the renewal of the inland ferry fleet has been identified as a priority and new ferries are planned for Adams Lake, Glade, Harrop and Arrow Park.
The Arrow Park Cable Ferry sails across the junction of Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes at Arrow Park connecting recreation opportunities as well as residential and business sites.
The current ferry at Arrow Park was built in 1949 and no longer meets Transport Canada standards.
The Ministry of Transportation has announced a call for qualified bidders and after five weeks of applications the ministry will short-list up to the respondents for the second stage, the Request for Proposals. It is expected that work on the new vessels will begin in 2016 and be ready for service by the end of 2018.
The total cost of all four ferries will be announced once a final proponent is chosen and the formal procurement process is completed, the ministry said.
The ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure manages 14 inland ferry routes throughout the province. Private contactors operate the ferries and the routes cross interior lakes and rivers. Waterbridge Ferries Inc. operates the Arrow Park Ferry.
Last year, B.C.’s inland ferries carried approximately 1.5 million vehicles and 2.2 million passengers.