Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson on Thursday said he is open to the idea of an industry-run float plane terminal east of Canada Place, giving a boost to float plane companies that are pushing the concept as an alternative to a $22-million private facility now under construction.
The operators' idea is 'worth exploring,' Mr. Robertson said in a statement, adding that he would support any initiative that helps keep fares affordable for the public.
The Vancouver Commercial Seaplane Operators Association - an eight-member group that has put forward a proposal for a not-for-profit terminal east of the waterfront convention centre - is scheduled to meet with Mr. Robertson on Thursday.
But Port Metro Vancouver, which owns the site where the float plane companies want to build a new facility, says the port has significant safety concerns with the operators' proposal.
"The port has navigational safety concerns about float plane movements on the east side of Canada Place," Port spokesman Duncan Wilson said on Wednesday. "Unlike helicopters, float planes travel along the surface of the water when they are not in the air - so they are effectively boats when they are not in the air."
Port officials are scheduled to meet next week with the float plane operators to discuss the proposal.
Float plane companies provide service to commuters, tourists and other passengers between Vancouver and Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, as well as other destinations, but are currently without a permanent home on the downtown waterfront.
Harbour Air, the biggest player, was required to move from its former site to its current Coal Harbour location to make room for construction of the new Convention Centre.
Under its agreement with the city, Harbour Air was to move from its current site sometime in 2012 or when a new facility was built - whichever came first.
The new facility is scheduled to be completed this year. But Harbour Air and other float plane companies have balked at a $12-per-trip levy proposed for trips to and from the new terminal.
Terminal developer Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, a partnership between the Clarke Group and Ledcor Group, says the fee is required to generate a reasonable return.
"The float plane operators maintain their proposed site does not involve significant safety concerns and would involve fewer potential traffic conflicts than the Coal Harbour base now in use."
Wendy Stueck