NDP MLAs Malcolmson and Routley say Wi-Fi Coming to Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay Ferry Terminals

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NANAIMO – Travellers and commuters in Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island will soon be able to enjoy free and reliable Wi-Fi at the Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay ferry terminals as they wait to board, say New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley.

“Adding Wi-Fi to our ferry terminals responds to long-time community demand,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “Keeping connected with loved ones is more important than ever, and I’m glad local travellers will benefit from this new investment in people.”

B.C. ferries will receive up to $1.5 million in grant funding through the Ministry of Citizens’ Services’ Connecting British Columbia program to provide 14 smaller ferry terminals with Wi-Fi. The Connecting British Columbia Program helps connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities with reliable high-speed internet access by funding required infrastructure, administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust.

“Free Wi-Fi at both the Descanso Bay and the Nanaimo Harbour Ferry Terminals will make commuting and taking the ferry much more convenient for people living on Gabriola Island,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Improvements like these at local ferry terminals play an important role in our larger goal of making life better for British Columbians.”

These minor route terminals will benefit from Wi-Fi coverage in multiple locations, including public lounges, vehicle line-up areas and where possible, parking lots.

This grant funding is a part of B.C.’s $10 billion COVID-19 response, including Stronger BC: B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan. The plan focuses on helping people, communities and businesses come out of COVID-19 stronger.

The work to install and activate Wi-Fi at all 14 new terminals is expected to be completed by October 31st, 2021.

Learn More

Provincial news release, including list of all 14 terminals receiving Wi-Fi: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021CITZ0043-001230

Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc

StrongerBC : https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/