Update March 2024: Shearwater Terminal Project

Beginning this spring, new marine structures and upgrades to the Shearwater Terminal will be underway, restoring regular service for Denny Islanders and those travelling on the route.

The planning process

In the fall of 2022, the Shearwater barge underwent a detailed inspection to assess the condition and life span. In these assessments of the infrastructure, the immediate need to replace elements of the marine structure to maintain the safe operation were identified, and as such the berth was closed. Since this time, tug and barge service has been providing service on the route.

Over the last 18-months, our teams have been working with Heiltsuk Nation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, considering all options for the berth rebuild with a focus on the technically challenging marine landscape. In July 2023 the approvals for the project were obtained, and design work and tendering began. Contracts were awarded early 2024.

Throughout this planning, we have been working closely with Heiltsuk Nation to conclude the current project work, and look to the future on how we can continue to work together.

Work begins this spring

Work is planned to begin the spring of 2024 and is expected to take approximately six months. It will include installation of new berth structures including new supports for the ramp (abutment), new ramp and concrete pontoon structures. In addition, upgrades will be made to the existing floating lead. The design of the new ramp will result in the return of regular operations for the Northern Sea Wolf with a new single lane ramp and an increased load limit of 63,500 kg.

As an essential public service, it is our job to keep people moving safely and reliably. While the decision to close the berth in the fall of 2022 was not taken lightly, we understand the impact this has had on the community, and those travelling on the route. We sincerely appreciate the resiliency of Denny Island residents and customers travelling on the route, and we are looking forward to providing full service back to the community.

How to stay updated

We will continue to do all we can to make sure clear and consistent communication is delivered for the remainder of this project. As we progress we will be providing project updates on this page. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Follow Project' on the right hand side of this page.