Transport Canada announced on Thursday that they would be extending measures that limit cruise ship and other pleasure craft traffic until February 28, 2021.
In particular, cruise ships with overnight accommodations carrying more than 100 people continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters, following an initial ban implemented in May that was set to expire on October 31, 2020.
The ban has severely impacted the tourist economy on Vancouver Island. Statistics from the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) say that the cruise industry is worth about $3 billion annually to Canada’s economy, with two-thirds of that generated on the West Coast.
GVHA CEO Ian Robertson says he supported the ban in its first form and continues to support it with the extended deadline.
However, he says that he will continue to advocate for a decision timeline and process for the return of cruise lines to Canadian waters.
“I will continue to engage with Transport Canada on this,” Robertson said in a statement.
“Our organization is also engaged with cruise line management as they develop and unveil their plans for a safe return of cruise in other markets, as well as on the west coast of Canada.”
Robertson says the GVHA is planning for cruises to resume in 2021 and their team is working to ensure that the Victoria Cruise Terminal will be prepared to welcome guests.
