Western Pacific Marine is denying allegations that it owes more than $515,000 to a company that claims it completed unpaid work on the Kootenay Lake ferry project.
In a response to a civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court on May 1, 2026, WPM denied retaining Albion Marine Solutions or requesting the company to supply equipment, materials and services for the project.
Albion filed the lawsuit in April, alleging it is owed $515,796.64 for work completed on the vessel in July and August 2025.
The company claims it submitted 10 invoices to WPM between July and September 2025 but has not been paid.
In its response, WPM denied that an agreement was reached with Albion and denied it was obligated to pay the company for the work.
WPM also alleged that, if Albion did provide the services, it “failed to perform the Services with due care, skill, and diligence” and said it was entitled to a set-off.
The company also denied breaching a contract or unjustly enriching itself. It disputes that it owes Albion any money.
Albion’s lawsuit alleges breach of contract and unjust enrichment. It is seeking damages equal to the outstanding amount, interest and court costs.
The lawsuit also named the provincial government as a defendant.
In its own response filed June 12, the Province denied having a contract with Albion or requesting the company to supply equipment, materials and services for the project.
The Province also denied being unjustly enriched, arguing any benefit from the work was for WPM’s sole benefit. It further argued that, if it did receive a benefit, the contractual arrangements provided a legal reason for any enrichment.
This is the second lawsuit filed against WPM over unpaid work on the ferry project. Vancouver-based EcoHeavyDuty Repairs filed a separate lawsuit in December 2025, alleging it is owed more than $6.4 million for labour and materials related to the same project.
The provincial government exercised its step-in rights in December 2025, taking control of the project amid concerns about WPM’s delivery.
The $117-million ferry project was originally scheduled for completion in 2023. The vessel, which has been named the MV Kokanee, is now 95 per cent complete and is expected to enter service in 2027.
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