Funds are being pledged to look into the idea of installing power links for cruise ships at Ogden Point to reduce emissions.

Victoria councillors have voted in favour of spending $5,000 toward a $20,000 study of the concept.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has also agreed to put in $5,000 and contribute some expertise, said spokeswoman Shannon Marshall. Other funding partners are being sought.

Victoria Coun. Pamela Madoff is on the board of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, owner of Ogden Point, and backs the investigation. "Regardless of the outcome, I think it is a question that needs to be answered in a substantive way," Madoff, a James Bay resident, said Thursday.

"Does it make sense, or does it not? Because if it is just out there as a specter of possibility, then how do you measure any other initiatives that are being taken at Ogden Point?"

A master plan for Ogden Point is underway and there's been talk of generating power on site for lowdemand activities, Madoff said. "Would it make sense to have shore power as a component of that, and if we could even feed back into that grid if we were creating power there?"

"There are just so many unknowns. Let's really get the facts about shore power because we have heard so much for and against."

Cruise ships are an issue in James Bay , where some residents are worried about impacts of sulphur emissions. A 2009 air quality study found temporary increases in sulphur dioxide levels when cruise ships arrived, docked and left Ogden Point. Dr.

Richard Stanwick, Vancouver Island 's chief medical health officer, warned last year that those levels could have short-term harmful effects on some residents with respiratory issues.

If shore power was available, docked vessels would be able to plug into the grid and turn off their auxiliary engines that run on sulphur-emitting fuel.

Two-thirds of the major cruise lines are converting to shore power capability.

However, putting that kind of infrastructure into Ogden Point could cost up to $9 million, and upgrading the Hydro grid may carry a price tag as high as $11 million.

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