A fleet of five electric ferries will soon be plying the Bedford Basin, linking new terminals in Bedford and Halifax, filling a key plank in regional transit strategy

A new, net-zero electric community ferry service is set to launch in Halifax Harbour, connecting Bedford with downtown Halifax.

Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments announced the project’s go-ahead last week, with a combined $258.7-million investment.

Funding for the new Mill Cove Ferry Service will cover the cost of purchasing five electric ferries as well as the construction of two terminals and a maintenance facility.

“By investing in state-of-the-art net-zero ferry terminals and zero-emission electric ferries, we’re not just enhancing connectivity; we’re paving the way for a cleaner, greener future,” said Lena Metlege Diab, member of parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Sean Fraser, minister of housing, infrastructure and communities in a press statement.

The electric ferries also promise quieter rides and zero air pollution, providing benefits to both passengers and operators, added Diab.

The federal government is contributing $155.7 million and the province is providing $65 million. Halifax Regional Municipality is also putting over $38 million into the project.

The governments expect to complete the project by the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

Multi-year, multi-phase project

The Mill Cove Ferry Service project was first announced in 2021 as part of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Rapid Transit Strategy and Integrated Mobility Plan. The strategy’s overarching goal is to enhance sustainable and equitable transportation across Halifax by promoting greater use of public transit.

The project initially started with phase one, focused on conducting vessel technology studies, undertaking concept design work at the Halifax Ferry Terminal and Mill Cove, addressing site access and design issues, and conducting service calibration and climate assessments.

Now, entering into phase two, the project will advance with the design and construction of the terminals and buying the ferries.

The terminals will be net-zero facilities. The plan includes building a new Mill Cove ferry terminal in Bedford and upgrading the aging Halifax Ferry Terminal with a modern facility. Additionally, construction will include a bridge spanning the CN rail line in Bedford to connect vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians to the Mill Cove terminal.

Once operational, the Mill Cove Ferry service will aim to provide 15-minute service during peak hours, with travel times generally better than driving.

Halifax Regional Municipality has not yet selected which ferries it will purchase but, the objective is to acquire single-deck catamaran ferries with a minimum capacity of 150 passengers.

“With the growth we are continuing to see, so is the need to make sustainable transportation competitive with personal vehicles,” said Mike Savage, mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality. “Not only will this improved ferry service help people get around faster, it will also promote continuous growth surrounding the terminal and establish a consistent community hub.”