September 16, 2021 — The Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) and the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) in conjunction with Conqora Capital Partners Inc. (Conqora) announced today that the parties have entered into agreements for the purpose of providing a high-speed passenger ferry service that will connect Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. The NPA has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Conqora which provides access to the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf for vessel berths, welcome terminals, parking and passenger connectivity areas. The NPA and Conqora partnership will bring jobs and future development to the Assembly Wharf in order to better serve the Regional District of Nanaimo and those that are visiting the area from the mainland, and abroad.

Donna Hais, Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority, shares that “After many years of talking about a fast passenger service coming to Nanaimo, it is with great pleasure that the Nanaimo Port Authority announces our unique partnership with SFN and Conqora to bring this vital service to Nanaimo. Providing infrastructure that connects Nanaimo to the rest of the world is one of the Port’s mandates and we are excited to be able to connect people through this mode of transportation.”

Conqora Capital Partners Inc. have also entered into a Recognition, Cooperation and Benefits Agreement with Snuneymuxw First Nation authorizing the new fast passenger ferry in Snuneymuxw Territory. This agreement recognizes the SFN rights, lands and waterways upon which the high-speed passenger ferry service will operate. The partnership between SFN and Conqora seeks to promote greater respect for, and understanding of, the deep heritage and history of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and is built on the desire to establish a long-term relationship of respect, mutual benefit and to provide meaningful contribution to the local and regional economy.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse states, “Our Nation is delighted to announce our tripartite partnership that brings the long awaited fast-passenger ferry to our region. We always must be mindful that the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 protects and preserves Snuneymuxw lands and waters, and enables trade and commerce in our territory. We are proud to work with Conqora and the NPA on the basis of respect and recognition for the greater good of everyone and the economy. Congratulations to everyone involved to make this happen and we look forward to building on this momentum, building a stronger economy and stronger foundations of respect and cooperation.”

“Conqora is proud to be in partnership with the Nanaimo Port Authority and Snuneymuxw First Nation to bring this service to the local communities. We are working together with a common goal to affect positive impact and growth within the communities that this partnership will serve,” says Rupesh Amin, CEO & Founder, Conqora Capital Partners Inc. “Collaborating with the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo Port Authority has been a great pleasure and I would like to sincerely thank them for their honesty, commitment, and shared vision for this service. Conqora is excited about the potential this partnership represents and what this high-speed passenger ferry service means for the future of the province.”

Details surrounding the new high-speed ferry service will be announced in the near future.