Electric Ferry – Main Motion as Amended (Items A–D)

decarbonized transport aligning with our climate goals so these are all the solid reasons that um uh i think commissioners we know we need to support this um i i i do note uh that even though the amendment recently failed there the city is already committed to consultation so um despite the fact that it's not clearly in there now i do know the consultation will uh obviously take place And I encourage the city to get on that. And to the proponents, I wish you luck and good fortune and good courage in making this work. I'll be supporting the motion.

Thank you, Commissioner Verity.

I always see electric as good. I drive electric car. It's good for the environment, and we all need to do a little bit more to help the environment because those greenhouse gases are really piling up, and I think this is a move in the right direction, and I think we need to see more electrified transportation across the city. So I will be supporting this.

Commissioner Jensen.

Thank you. I as well will be supporting this. I thank the proponents that brought this forward and did all of the work that came to us and really showcases a vision for a new modern transportation system. I also think that... This being a signature location in Vancouver will hopefully draw TransLink's attention and draw more bus service into Coal Harbour to address the concerns that was brought earlier by a speaker this evening. And I also believe that... This is going to create a more accessible opportunity. Currently, if you want to get to these locations, you're either taking a ferry, which is located quite a distance away, or you're paying a higher premium and taking a float plane. So this is going to be providing an opportunity for people to hop on, hop off. You know, at the site of these locations, ideally there'll be some bike rentals, there'll be some other services, there'll be opportunities for entrepreneurs to come down and create an opportunity space that will provide small business opportunities. It's just a current, to borrow the last speaker, it is a win-win-win. So I certainly will be supporting this, so thank you very much.

Commissioner Howard, online.

Thank you. I too will be supporting this project. I do think that we need to make better use of our waterways. I just hope that this will not impact negatively the current user of the space. And I trust that there will be a close collaboration, in particular with the rowing club and the neighbors

in this side of downtown.

Thank you, Commissioner Herr.

I too will be supporting this. I'm very excited to see where we're headed. I know a lot of people are moving out of Vancouver and they live on the islands or in other areas, including Gibson and Bowen Islands. So this creates such a great synergy between the two spaces. And many people do live out there, but they do work downtown. And the fact that this is a lot more environmentally friendly makes me very excited. So again, I do request, and I know you guys will do the right thing in consult with your neighbors, which is some of the rowing clubs as well, and collaborate how you guys can work together. So I'm very excited to move forward with this. Thank you.

Commissioner Bostevansky.

Thank you, Chair. And thanks for bringing this forward. I'm going to support this. I think it brings something really interesting and unique to Vancouver. The experience of being in an electric ferry, it was like excellent, right? Like the feeling of flying above the water, being able to see the city from an entirely different view. Like it opened up so many opportunities in the lower mainland. The idea of being able to skip not only like bridge traffic but ferry traffic to get somewhere uh like everybody in vancouver just like would would love that idea um and uh and you know i'm as a uh you know and my appreciation for this being uh involving several jurisdictions and private as well as government organizations. So I think this is a good example of what's possible. And it's important that we do all this together as a community. So I'm going to be supporting this because together we can.

Right. I'd just like to say that I really love Councillor Bligh's vision of sort of the waterfront as this connectivity. And it is true that Vancouver really does not use its waterfront to its full potential. And I would love to see more connections to more places that rather than... having to drive all the way to Tawasin, we could just go from downtown to downtown. Way more efficient. And I look forward to taking a ride to Bowen in 2028.

Seeing no further comments, I will call a vote by a show of hands. All in favor? And that is carried unanimously. Thank you, Commissioners.

Before I move on to our next item, I will just give a few minutes as we shuffle staff and the gallery in and out here.

This is not a full recess, Commissioner, so please don't go too far.

Okay, welcome back, everyone. Our next report this evening is titled Broad Slopes Park Concept Plan, and this will be introduced by Director Mack as well, Park Planning and Development.