April 13, 2005 Halifax, Nova Scotia A feasibility study into the social and economic implications of operating a fast ferry service between Bedford and other harbour sites to downtown Halifax will be undertaken with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, on behalf of ACOA Minister Joseph McGuire, today announced that the ACOA has agreed to provide $87,500 to fund the study. An equal contribution will come from the Halifax Regional Municipality. The provincial government has contributed $10,000. "The Government of Canada is committed to assisting communities address their infrastructure needs, including transportation systems," Minister Regan said. "A high-speed ferry service, if it proves feasible, would provide a transportation alternative for commuters and have a direct impact on future economic growth." Mayor Peter Kelly, of HRM, said: "The proposed high-speed ferry service between such harbour sites as Bedford, Shannon Park, Woodside, Purcell's Cove and others to the downtown should help to alleviate some of the heavy traffic flow on access routes to the core. The fewer private vehicles travelling into the core will also result in a considerable reduction in greenhouse gases, which will benefit the environment." ACOA support for this project will allow the municipality to engage the services of consultants to conduct a detailed independent economic analysis of operating a fast ferry service and design an environment within which this new route could maximize its effectiveness. The municipality's master plan recognizes the need to bolster the region's transportation network in order to address the area's existing and future demands. An expanded ferry service is just one of the transportation alternatives designed to enhance the level of service available to residents and visitors alike. Supporters of a new high-speed ferry between Bedford and Halifax have suggested the new service would bring additional development and activity to the waterfront as well as provide a safe and environmentally-friendly way of easing traffic congestion. ACOA funding of the study is being provided through the non- repayable element of the Agency's Business Development Program, which supports not-for-profit community economic development activities. -30- For more information, please contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Brian Underhill Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Geoff Regan Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (613) 992-3474 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4238 John O'Brien Corporate Communications Officer Halifax Regional Municipality (902) 490-6531
