Swartz Bay Terminal Projects

Thank you to everyone who attended the online information session on November 7th and reached out with questions. During this session, we provided an overview of the project, scheduled to begin July 2024, and answered questions from those who joined online and those who submitted questions by email.

To view the presentation slides, visit the document library on the right hand side of the page, or click here: Swartz Bay Berth 5: Information Slides

Questions we received about the project were related to next steps, communication and environmental monitoring. The information shared on the these questions is summarized below.

Environmental monitoring

We are currently evaluating construction proposals submitted for the project work. The evaluation of these proposals emphasizes completion of the construction work efficiently and effectively, with minimal disturbance to BC Ferries operations and nearby neighbours, and to ensure the work is in compliance with all environmental mitigation measures. Both the contractor and BC Ferries will have environmental consultants and qualified on-site environmental personnel to ensure the construction work is completed successfully and as per approved permitting.

Next steps and communication

Permits required for the work have been provided, and our project team are now working on next steps. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses and these updates will be available on here on the projects page.

To receive email updates on the project, you can sign up using the subscribe button on the right hand side of this page.

Thank you again for those that participated and we look forward to providing an update soon.

Online Information Session November 7, 2023

We are working to enhance our services at the Swartz Bay Terminal with upgrades to the marine infrastructure at Berth 5.

On November 7, 2023, we will be hosting an online Information Session to provide an overview of the project which is scheduled to begin July 2024. To attend the online event or if you have questions, please email engagement@bcferries.com.

• Date: November 7, 2023
• Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Location: Virtual
• Registration: Please email engagement@bcferries.com to receive the link to the online session

You can read more about the project in updates below, and stay informed by subscribing to the project page on the right hand side.

Over the summer our project team has been working on next steps and approvals for the Berth 5 upgrades at Swartz Bay Terminal. This work included meetings with local residents and the municipalities, which are detailed below.

On July 6, 2023: BC Ferries project team, along with our Terminal Operations teams met with the Lands End Residents Association (LERA). This meeting was to refamiliarize LERA with the project, discuss next steps, and collaborate on mitigation plans to ensure minimal impact is felt by our direct neighbours. The feedback we heard through this meeting was used to inform the development of the Request for Proposal for companies to complete the work.

On August 14, 2023: Our project team presented at the District of North Saanich Regular Meeting of Council to provide information and background on the project and to request a noise bylaw exemption for the work to be completed. Council approved the exemption.

Next steps:

Our teams are now working through the next phase of the project. This will include:

• Information sessions with the broader community to provide background and details of the project - expected October 2023
• Request for Proposal was posted with a contract expected to be awarded in November 2023

To receive information on how to attend the information session, please email engagement@bcferries.com

Following these next steps, our teams will begin to work on schedules, mitigation and communication plans. To stay up to date on project updates check back to this page, or subscribe to receive updates using the 'Stay Informed' icon on the right hand side of the page.

BC Ferries is preparing to upgrade Berth 5 at the Swartz Bay Terminal. Our Salish Class ferries are now operating regularly on our Southern Gulf Island routes and are currently unable to use Berth 5 because a rock outcropping at its entrance prevents the Salish Class vessels, which sit deeper in the water than their predecessor the Mayne Queen, from passing through. The upgrade will remove this underwater obstruction from the entrance of the berth, making it safe for the Salish vessels to enter and exit. This has the benefit of reducing berth congestion for all our vessels in Swartz Bay, improving on-time performance and customer experience for everyone.

Work will be completed in two phases and will include blasting and dredging of a rock outcropping, the construction of new mooring structures (called dolphins), and new tie-up infrastructure to accommodate our smaller Island Class vessels when required. We do not expect any impact to sailing schedules and our project and operational teams will work hard to minimize any operational impacts that may occur.

• Phase one: July - November 2024
• Phase two: December 2024 - March 2025

To ensure the protection of marine life throughout the project, we have been working closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to evaluate the potential impact to the marine environment. In May 2023, after significant First Nations consultation, we received approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to proceed with the work. As part of this approval, environmental procedures and industry best practices will be utilized.

We are mindful the construction work may generate additional noise that may impact nearby residents, and will ensure that residents are kept updated and that they are advised in advance of the work being done.

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.