Ferries could be departing Mill Cove terminal in Bedford for Halifax by 2028

Ferries are expected to depart a new Mill Cove ferry facility in Bedford, N.S., by 2028 following the announcement Monday of funding to purchase ferries and build two terminals to support the transit expansion. 

In 2021, all three levels of government announced a joint study of a new commuter ferry and terminal in Bedford to provide service to downtown Halifax. At the time, the project was expected to be complete this year. 

Now the federal government will contribute $155.7 million, the province will contribute $65 million, and Halifax Regional Municipality will provide more than $38 million. 

"Our beautiful city is growing, and it's growing fast," said MP Lena Metlege Diab, who represents Halifax West, at the announcement. "It's vital that we connect Canadians and get them to and from work, school and home more efficiently." 

The funding will go toward five high-speed electric ferries, a Mill Cove Terminal, a replacement of the Halifax terminal and a new maintenance facility.  

"All good things are worth waiting for," said HRM Coun. Tim Outhit of the Bedford area. "No more plans, no more market studies, no more consultation, no more funding debates, this is happening," he said. 

The new ferry terminals will be net-zero for greenhouse gas emissions, according to the province.

Build Nova Scotia is providing the land for the Mill Cove terminal which will include a library and connect to the Bedford waterfront. A bridge will also be built over the CN rail line to connect buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists to the terminal. 

Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Minister Tim Halman said the Mill Cove terminal "is only the beginning" of more ferries in the Bedford Basin. 

The ferry expansion is part of the rapid transit strategy in the municipality. In addition to bus rapid transit, other ferry sites are being discussed for the Larry Uteck and Shannon Park areas.  

'Smaller, sleeker, faster'

Halifax Transit CEO Dave Reage said there's no date right now for the other ferry projects, but the new Halifax terminal will prepare the site for the different hull designs and to charge the electric boats between trips. 

"It is a smaller, sleeker, faster vessel," Reage said of the boats which can travel over 20 knots. He said current ferries travel at about eight knots. 

Reage said each trip is expected to take about 18 minutes and service every 15 minutes is anticipated during rush hour. He said the new vessels will have a capacity of about 150 to 200 passengers.  

"We have to dramatically increase the number of ferry crews, so that's part of the work that is still to come," he said. 

Reage said no decisions have been made on ticket prices.