Halifax lands funding for new zero emission transit ferry route
The Halifax Regional Municipality is getting a new ferry route that will run from Bedford, N.S. to downtown Halifax and will be the first zero-emission ferry in Nova Scotia.
The provincial and federal governments announced Thursday its contributing $3.3 million towards a study that will explore technology options for an electric ferry.
The Nova Scotia government is investing more than $1.1 million for the initial planning phase of the ferry, while federal contributions are $1.3 million. Halifax Regional Municipality is investing $917,000.
The Mill Cove ferry route will depart from a new net-zero energy efficient building in Bedford.
"Getting moving on this long-anticipated ferry project will open up Halifax Harbour in new ways to more people, creating exciting opportunities for communities to connect while helping residents green their commute," Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said in a news release.
Kelsey Lane from the Ecology Action Centre said a potential energy efficient ferry would help create a more green community.
“If it's electric, it provides more affordable options,” said Lane. “And it's a wonderful way to get to where you want to go. It’s exactly the kind of project we are looking for.”
Once operational, the new ferry will mark the third route operated by Halifax Transit. It also has routes that run from downtown Halifax to Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, as well as Halifax to Woodside.
Beverly Morrison who lives in the area, said a new ferry would be good news for seniors.
"They can't get to places and that would be awesome for them to get to Halifax instead of travelling by bus,” said Morrison
The first phase of the project will look at a concept design for the new Bedford terminal, along with the retrofit design of the current Halifax terminal. Both are expected to be completed in early 2022.
Detailed design and construction will begin following phase one.
"As the municipality continues to grow, so does the need for a faster and better-connected transit network. Connecting Bedford to downtown Halifax by this new ferry route is an integral step that will improve transit services in an environmentally friendly way." Dave Reage, executive director, Halifax Transit, said in a news release.
The zero-emission project is part of the province's climate change strategy.
"Transitioning away from diesel ferries is part of the electrification of public transit systems, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and will help us toward our target of cutting emissions to 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030," Kelly Regan, minister of community services, said in a release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.