Statement on the Transport Canada decision to revise the order on cruise in Canada to Nov. 1, 2021
As a not-for-profit, community-based organization, we welcome the decision by Transport Canada to move up the order suspending cruise visitation in Canada to Nov. 1, 2021. Cruise lines and ports in Canada need time to prepare for the full resumption of cruise and this news from Transport Canada will signal that the industry is welcome back for the 2022 cruise season.
For several months, we worked to educate, engage, and advocate to all levels of government the importance of developing and sharing plans for the resumption of cruise in Canadian waters. We are incredibly thankful to our industry partners both locally and across the country for their ongoing efforts in advocating for this decision.
Cruise contributes more than $130 million to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for more than 800 jobs. While many of the organizations that work in the cruise industry in Greater Victoria have suffered from financial losses, their dedication and commitment to the industry did not falter throughout the last 1.5 years.
With this news, our organization can actively plan for the full resumption of cruise in 2022. We will increase our focus on major projects such as shore power with the understanding that we, and our partners, have a clearer line of sight on financial forecasts. Revenues from cruise tariffs help support our community amenities such as the Ogden Point Breakwater and the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway; with the return of cruise in 2022 we can again plan for short and long-term capital infrastructure needs for these highly-valued spaces.
We will also put into action our planned community liaison committee, comprised of business and community members, later this fall. This committee will primarily be charged with solutions-focused discussions about our cruise operations. More details will be announced soon.
The Transport Canada announcement is available here.
About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour. The organization is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, represented by four independent community members and eight Member Agencies: Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, The Chamber, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society, and Destination Greater Victoria.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority owns and operates several high-profile community amenities including the Ogden Point Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, Ship Point, and customs dock at Raymur Point. Within its commercial and marine industrial holdings are The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, four Inner Harbour marinas, and the historic Steamship Terminal. The organization manages the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District, which contributes more than $130 million annually to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for 800 direct and indirect jobs.