Vancouver Courts More Cruise Ships

The Times Colonist has reported that the final piece of funding needed to start construction of a multimillion dollar Campbell River in Vancouver cruise ship terminal was announced Wednesday, clearing the way for new business for the region's ports in the fall and winter. Federal funding of $9 million will go toward constructing the pier and some dredging, said Stephen Owen, minister of western economic diversification. Chief Bob Pollard, of the 600-member Campbell River band which owns the land being developed, said other major funding includes $3.75-million from the province, close to $1.5 million from the municipality of Campbell River and nearly $1 million from the band. The first phase of the facility will cost about $16 million, Pollard said. The terminal, highlighting First Nations culture, will be capable of handling large cruise ships. It is part of a vision that sees Alaskan cruise ships sticking around a little longer by offering a Pacific Northwest experience. Instead of heading to tropical climates immediately when the Alaska season ends in late September, the big ships could extend their local season by stopping in ports such as Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria, officials said. Pile driving for the new terminal at the north end of Campbell River starts in January, said Pollard. Construction is scheduled to wrap up in August, and the first of six to eight cruise ships is expected to arrive in mid-September.