Construction of the new Lax Kw'alaams ferry dock, near Prince Rupert, is underway. This project will provide a permanent home for the Spirit of Lax Kw'Alaams ferry. This new location will reduce the travel time for service between Prince Rupert and Tuck Inlet by about an hour, and will reduce the ferry's overall operating time by about an hour and a half.

The Lax Kw'alaams Band operates the 15-vehicle ferry, providing passenger and small commercial vehicles transport between the north end of Tuck Inlet and the airport ferry dock in Prince Rupert, adjacent to the BC Ferry Terminal.

Final completion for this $3.2-million dock project is scheduled for June 2010. The contract for the Lax Kw'alaams ferry facility was awarded to Broadwater Industries of Prince Rupert. The new facility is being constructed at the Ministry of Forests and Range's (Forests) marine base in Aero Point Cove. The Ministry of Forests and Range will share the new facility with the ferry, and will continue to operate its marine base at this location.

Construction of this new dock represents the final phase of the overall Tuck Inlet Road Project, which involves the upgrading of the road serving the Lax Kw'alaams village of Port Simpson. Project funding was provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Lax Kw'Alaams Indian Band and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in the following proportions:

* Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: 50 per cent.
* Indian and Northern Affairs Canada: 33 per cent.
* Lax Kw'Alaams Indian Band: 17 per cent.

Completion for this $3.2-million dock project is scheduled for June 2010.