Ferry operator Western Pacific Marine (WPM) is facing a lawsuit over millions in unpaid invoices related to the construction of the new Kootenay Lake ferry.
Vancouver-based company Eco HeavyDuty Repairs (EHDR) filed a lawsuit on Dec. 24, 2025, with the B.C. Supreme Court, claiming it is owed more than $6.4 million for work completed on the project.
The lawsuit comes a few months after the provincial government exercised its step-in rights to take control of the ferry project, citing problems with project delivery by Western Pacific Marine.
According to a notice of civil claim filed on the B.C. court services online website, Eco HeavyDuty Repairs alleged it provided Western Pacific Marine with labour and materials for the project under an oral agreement before entering into a formal cost-plus contract on Jan. 1, 2024.
Under the formal agreement, Western Pacific Marine was to pay Eco HeavyDuty Repairs monthly as the work progressed.
The company claimed it submitted 86 invoices between January 2024 and September 2025, all of which were reviewed and approved by Western Pacific Marine’s project manager, CYJ Marine Ltd., but allege they were not paid in full.
While Western Pacific Marine paid more than $11.7 million on earlier invoices, the lawsuit alleged it still owes $6,443,656.52 after two partial payments were made in October and November 2025.
A notice of default was issued in November after Western Pacific Marine allegedly failed to make payment within the timelines set out in the contract.
The lawsuit also alleged Western Pacific Marine breached its contract by failing to pay the outstanding balance.
Damages equal to the amount allegedly owed, interest and court costs are being sought.
“As a result of WPM’s breach of the Contract, EHDR has suffered and continues to suffer damage, loss, and expense, including but not limited non-payment of the Outstanding Balance and any applicable contractual interest,” the lawsuit said.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
The case is scheduled to be heard in Vancouver.
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