Shingle Spit Terminal - Water System Work

Update: September 18, 2023

Today terminal maintenance teams were on site covering the exposed midden to protect it from wind and rain as we enter into the wet season. This will help to prevent erosion while we complete assessment work, and determine remediation measures with K'omoks and Qualicum First Nations. Terminal maintenance staff will be checking the covers regularly to ensure they remain in place. Should you notice that adjustments need to be made to the covers, please email engagement@bcferries.com.

Update: September 12, 2023

BC Ferries is grateful to be working together with K’όmoks First Nation and Qualicum First Nation in addressing the significant disturbance of an environmentally and culturally sensitive site near our Shingle Spit terminal on Hornby Island. We have met with representatives from both Nations and we will continue to work alongside them, and in alignment with Provincial laws and K’όmoks First Nation policies, to determine next steps towards remediation at this site.

Update: August 23 (3:30pm)

As a company that is deeply committed to reconciliation and respectful relationships with First Nations partners, we are not just concerned but also very disturbed by news that on Friday, August 18, an environmentally and culturally sensitive site near Shingle Spit terminal on Hornby Island was disturbed by BC Ferries.

Work was immediately halted, K’omoks First Nation immediately notified, and senior members of the BC Ferries team travelled to the site to view the area and meet with community members. This included the Regional Manager of Terminal Operations, the Director of Terminal Maintenance, and the Director of Community Relations.

This morning, BC Ferries team met with K’omoks and Qualicum First Nation representatives to walk the site and answer questions. Further meetings will take place next week with the Nations once they have had time to review the outcome of today’s meeting with their leadership.

BC Ferries safe and respectful stewardship of the lands and waters on which we operate is paramount which is why we’ve taken immediate action to prevent this type of situation from happening again.

All terminal maintenance staff organizing any work involving ground disturbance or tree removal must have a written project plan signed off by their manager and director before proceeding. The new process also stipulates that the Regional Terminal Maintenance Managers and Director are to ensure the Indigenous Relations team and Operations teams are aware of any work planned of this nature.

Update: August 22, 2023 (3:00pm)

We would like to thank the community members who came down to the Shingle Spit terminal to meet with us yesterday. The conversation was both passionate and respectful, and we appreciate the time taken to speak with us. We will be meeting with representatives from K’omoks First Nation tomorrow to walk the site and hear from the Nation about how they would like to move forward, given the archaeological sensitivity of the surrounding area. We will continue to update the community as we determine our next steps in remediating the tump, a feature we know the community holds dear.

Update: August 22, 2023 (9:00am)

Work has been stopped and senior members of the BC Ferries team will be on site at the Shingle Spit terminal following reports that a sensitive environmental area has been disturbed.

Work was being done to support the installation of a water cistern to address water shortages that result in washroom closures at this terminal and negatively impact our customers. We regret the miscommunication between BC Ferries and our contractor that has led to the situation. Ground disturbance and tree removal were not planned as part of this work.

We understand the archaeological sensitivity and the importance of this area to the community. We will continue to provide updates as next steps are determined.