In the September 15 City Council meeting that took place at Queensborough Community Centre, councillors reviewed the proposed changes on city fees and rates for 2026, on a wide variety of city services.
The proposed rate increases for passengers on the Q to Q ferry, from Quayside in downtown New Westminster to Queensborough, caused the most debate and discussion.
Proposed rates would amount to considerable hike percentage-wise, approximately 11%. but in an absolute terms it amounted to approximately 25 cents, as several councillors pointed out.
Councillor Daniel Fontaine was strongly against this increase on the grounds it would affect vulnerable people. The Mayor and other Councillors pointed out that the ferry was heavily subsidized by the city to the tune of approximately $800,000 per year and that discussions with Queensborough residents indicated that they were fine about an increase in fees particularly as it would ensure the ferry service being continued.
The Mayor said that they were able to lock down a contract with the ferry company for 5 years. And as Councillor Jaimie McEvoy pointed out, it was very difficult to find a company willing to take on that job.
Ultimately, the Council agreed to the increase in fare for the multi-use tickets, but there was some reduction agreed to on concession tickets.
The Ferry plies from Quayside to Queensborough daily every half hour from 7:30am to 7:30 pm, and has made it possible for Queensborough residents to avoid the heavy traffic on the Queensborough bridge. It has become an important addition to the transportation system of New Westminster.