Crofton Terminal Development Plan

The redevelopment of the Crofton terminal is an important project to address operational and community concerns as well as prepare for the planned introduction of replacement vessels. Work is underway to update the concept proposals, consult with Frist Nations, finalize engineering designs, negotiate any lease or community partnership agreements and prepare the work packages for construction. Our expectation is to complete the terminal redevelopment and berth rebuild activities in time for the summer of 2027.

We are currently undergoing approvals for the Terminal Development Plan and look forward to sharing it with you once it has been approved.

On October 29th, 2019 we began Phase 2 of community engagement, presenting the two refined draft terminal concepts to key stakeholders and the community for input and feedback, followed by an online survey from October 29 - November 15, 2019. The concepts incorporated some of the previous feedback we heard in April, while also addressing improvements for our operational requirements.

• View the Phase 2 Information session materials and draft concepts
• Read the Phase 2 Engagement summary report

In response to your concerns over the past summer regarding overloads that impacted residents’ and business travel experience on the Vesuvius to Crofton route, we would like to announce that the Bowen Queen will service this route April through October 2020.

The Bowen Queen will be deployed on the route during the peak season until the arrival of the larger Quinsam in 2022. We know it has been a challenging summer and we sincerely apologize for the experience you’ve had.

Traffic modelling indicates that while the Bowen Queen will relieve some pressure on the route, it will not alleviate overloads completely, particularly during peak times. Longer line-ups on roadways may also occur. We will evaluate the 2020 peak season to help decide the type of service needed in 2021/22. Off-peak season service between now and 2022 will be provided by the Quinitsa.

Thank you to the Salt Spring Island Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) who conveyed your concerns regarding this route, and advocating for the solutions above on the community’s behalf.

Read the full update: October 2019 Bowen Queen Update

Phase 1 of community engagement included a design workshop, a community ideas fair and meetings with key stakeholders in the Spring of 2019. In this phase we gathered feedback about ideas to improve the terminal from key stakeholders and partners including the Ferry Advisory Committee, community and government stakeholders, the Municipality of North Cowichan and Halalt First Nation.

In Phase 1 we presented four preliminary concepts that were developed in collaboration with community representatives, stakeholders and our team. From there, your input helped us refine the concepts from four to two.

• Read the Phase 1 Engagement summary report