All three levels of government are investing nearly $260 million on five electric ferries that will travel between Bedford and downtown Halifax.

Councillor for Bedford-Wentworth, Tim Outhit, says he is excited about the ferry service and the new terminal coming to Mill Cove.

He says it will not only be part of a community hub but transform that part of town from a pile of rocks.

“People will be able to hopefully have dinner or coffee or ice cream or whatever on the waterfront… be able to get there by boardwalk from DeWolf Park, or to get there by car or by bus if they are taking the ferry.”

A library is also expected as well as a bridge that will span over the CN railway, for not only cars but pedestrians and cyclists as well.

Outhit adds that the idea has been talked about for 30 to 40 years, but they took the time to do it right.

He says that it’s a service that will in time, likely include other locations.

“It’s going to help us prepare more for the growth that’s going to happen along the waterfront, along the Bedford Highway, along these corridors.”

There will also be a new maintenance facility as well as an upgrade to the current ferry terminal in downtown Halifax.

The ferry is set for the 2027- 2028 fiscal year.