Prince Rupert delegation makes Alaska visit to discuss future of ferry route | CBC News
Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Prince Rupert, B.C., is in discussions with United States officials to look at possibly restoring ferry service between the port city and Alaska.
The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry service was cancelled in 2019 as Canada was unable to meet a condition set by the U.S.
At the time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) put in place a requirement to have Canadian law enforcement at the Prince Rupert terminal to protect American personnel doing passport and contraband checks.
Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond says that issue has since been fixed, and they are hopeful for a resolution.
“We’ve been in conversations with Alaska for the last number of years,” Pond told CBC News.
“Just trying to find ways to overcome some of the obstacles that have resulted in the cancellation. That ferry, for so many years, was a feeder to both Alaska and to British Columbia.”
Connecting communities
Historically, the Alaska ferry has served as a vital link between communities on both sides of the border, bringing tourism and economic benefits to Prince Rupert and the surrounding area.
The route saw about 7,000 passengers and 4,500 vehicles every year.
“It’s just an important link, one that we miss, and one that we’ve been working on for quite some time,” said Pond.
He also pointed out that the border separates Haida and Tsimshian communities from each other, and the ferry was a way for them to stay connected.
“Metlakatla, Alaska, came down to do the opening ceremonies at the All-Native Basketball Tournament, and it was great to have them here, but they had to fly all the way to Seattle and rent vans,” said Pond.
“Then drive them all the way up here, and they’re just 90 miles to the north. It’s almost insanity.”
Next steps
Discussions between the Prince Rupert delegation and Alaska state Sen. Bert Stedman included mutual economic benefits, including improvements to health-care access, and chances to collaborate, Pond said.
The city has a “strong interest” in continuing to work with Alaskan officials to find a pathway that would support a return to service.
Next on the list is organizing a high-level meeting between the B.C. government and Alaska, said Pond.
“Cultural and and economic benefits, and just plain good friendship,” said Pond.
“All good reasons to put this back in place.”
CBC News has reached out to Sen. Bert Stedman for comment.