New passenger ferry service in New Westminster

A new passenger ferry service is available starting Aug.4in New Westminster.

The Q to Q ferry travels from a dock below the Inn at the Quay to the Port Royal public dock in Queensborough.

The boat can accommodate 40 people and fourbicyclesand the trip takes five minutes.

New Westminster city councillor and acting mayorPatrick Johnstone says the service will help connect the Queensborough and downtown New Westminster neighbourhoods.

"We thought, if you can create a five minute connection between where lots of people areand sort of the downtown of New Westminster where a lot of services are, people would really take advantage of that. It would make both neighbourhoods work better," saidJohnstone.

"If we can create a reliable cycling and pedestrianconnection right along the river,it's sort of a missing link on what is becoming a well established series of trails along the north side of the FraserRiver."

The service will run until Sept. 24and operates on Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundaysand holiday Mondays.

Fares are $2for adults, $1for seniors and youthand free for children under five.

Exact change is needed or tokens can be purchased at the Anvil Centre, QueensboroughCommunity Centre, or Tre GalliGelatoCaffby the River Market.

Johnstonesays the city researched the idea of connecting Queensborough and the Quay with a pedestrian bridge instead of a ferry,but, without a partner, it was a very expensive option.

He says the Q to Q project costs add up to about $130,000, including operation and infrastructure expenses.

"The idea behind this pilot is to sort of shake down the idea of the ferry service and figure out what the challenges are and to decide whether there's an appetite in the community to have that ferry service," said Johnstone.

He says while the ferry service does have some issues, like limited hours, ornot beingaccessible towheelchairs and scooters, city staff will examine these issues along with other data, following the conclusion of the pilot and lookat long-term solutions.