Crofton Terminal Projects

We will be hosting a Public Information Session in Crofton to discuss the berth work being planned for the Crofton terminal. This is an opportunity for us to provide the community with an update on our plans and answer their questions about the work that is proceeding in the near term.

The session is scheduled for:

• Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
• Time: 4:00 – 7:00 pm
• Location: Crofton Community Centre, 8104 Robert Street

Key points to be discussed during the session include:

1. Berth Upgrades: BC Ferries is planning to proceed with berth upgrades at the Crofton terminal, with work anticipated to commence in 2026
   
2. Introduction of Island Class Vessels: The berth work is necessary to accommodate the entry of the Island Class vessels onto the Crofton-Vesuvius route in 2027. With the introduction of these vessels, we anticipate improvements in traffic congestion similar to those observed at other terminals like Gabriola and Hornby Islands, where increased capacity allows us to move traffic more frequently.
3. Traffic Management: The berth and vehicle holding space will remain in their current locations. We know there are concerns regarding congestion created by terminal traffic and are committed to managing it to the best of our ability within the existing constraints.
4. Future Plans: While major improvements may not be possible at this time due to space and capital funding limitations, we will look for opportunities that may arise as we plan for the required berth work.
5. Community Engagement: We are excited to be back to engaging in-person, and thank you for your support while we aligned our safety and security practices for public events with those already in place at terminals and on vessels. For this project, we continue to stay connected with the Municipality of North Cowichan and are committed to keeping everyone informed as we progress towards the commencement of berth work.

As an essential public service, BC Ferries is committed to keeping people moving safely and reliably. We review our capital plan regularly to ensure it aligns with our goals. During this year's annual review, we prioritized the maintenance of our infrastructure and the delivery of vessels to meet growing capacity demands. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to ensure the continued reliability of our infrastructure.

Thank you for your continued support of BC Ferries. We look forward to your participation in the Public Information Session and your valuable input as we plan future development at the Crofton terminal.

As an essential public service, it is our job to keep people moving safely and reliably. We review our capital plan regularly to ensure it’s helping us achieve those goals. Inevitably, that means some tough decisions as we must work within our budget.

During this year’s annual review, we prioritized two main aspects of our capital investment plan:

1. The work required to ensure the maintenance and continued reliability of our infrastructure
2. The delivery of vessels to replace our aging fleet and meet the growing capacity demands of the communities we serve, and the replacement of berths required to support new vessel introductions.

As a result, we have had to defer or adjust the scope of some of our previously planned projects to work within available funds. For more on project impacts for Salt Spring Island, please read on.

Although some adjustments have been made, our plans continue to include $356 million in capital investments this year, and approximately $2.2 billion over the next four years (Performance Term Six). We also plan to pursue additional funding opportunities that would allow us to re-evaluate capital expenditures before the end of the next performance term (March 31, 2028). We will keep you updated as we continue to re-evaluate.

What does this mean for Crofton and Vesuvius Terminals?

As we note above, we have prioritized the work required to ensure the maintenance and continued reliability of our infrastructure for our passengers who rely on it.

Crofton and Vesuvius terminal projects will focus on the berth replacements in their original location to ensure the continued reliability of our infrastructure and to prepare the terminals for the introduction of two new Island Class vessels in 2027.

Understanding the effects of peak season traffic on our neighbours, we will continue to utilize all traffic control measures to minimize impacts. The increase in capacity and frequency offered by the Island Class vessels will also mean being able to move vehicles through the terminal and off the roadways more efficiently. In addition, we continue to look for all opportunities to effectively manage vehicle capacity at the terminals. This includes increasing vehicle space at Vesuvius terminal with the berth replacement project, by providing widened lanes on the trestle, to help move more vehicles off the roadway.

We will also continue to stay connected with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Municipality of North Cowichan, and BC Transit to work on operational improvements for vehicle staging, traffic control and intermodal connections.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to balance the work required to ensure the maintenance and continued reliability of our infrastructure.

Crofton and Vesuvius Ferry Terminals - Next Phases of Timber Trestle Repair Work

The initial work to extend the life of the timber trestles at the Crofton and Vesuvius terminals is now complete and the next phase of day-time work is scheduled to start Friday, November 10, 2023.

Work will be completed on the timber deck boards and is expected to increase normal noise levels around the terminals between sailings on the following days:

• Crofton and Vesuvius Terminal: Friday, November 10, 2023
• Vesuvius Terminal: Tuesday, November 14 – Friday, November 17, 2023

No operational impacts are expected during this work and all efforts will be made to minimize the noise for our neighbours.

Final project phase

The project's final phase is expected to take place at the end of November. To minimize the impact on operations, work is scheduled to take place overnight and will include paving at both Crofton and Vesuvius terminals. General construction noise is expected during this time. Once the dates are confirmed, a service notice will be issued.

BC Ferries would like to thank our customers and neighbours for their patience and understanding as we complete this necessary work.

For more information or traffic updates, please follow @BCFerries on Twitter or visit bcferries.com.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the safe operation of our terminal facilities, BC Ferries will be carrying out marine work activities to extend the life of the timber trestles on the following dates:

• Crofton terminal: Beginning July 17 through the end of August
• Vesuvius terminal: Beginning August 28 through the end of September

On Monday, August 28, a marine rig will be mobilized to the Vesuvius terminal site, with work including the use of equipment that may increase the normal sound levels within the terminal. The installation of new piles will have the most notable noise impacts for the residents surrounding the terminal. Installation is expected to take approximately 2 weeks.

We are pleased to confirm the piling installation has now been completed at the Crofton terminal.

To mitigate traffic disruptions for our customers, construction activities will be carried out overnight between the hours of 8:00 pm – 6:30 am, and all efforts will be made to minimize the noise for our neighbours.

There will be no impact to operations as this work will be completed outside of our regular scheduled sailing hours.

BC Ferries would like to thank our customers and neighbours for their patience and understanding as we complete this necessary work.

For more information or traffic updates, please follow @BCFerries on Twitter or visit bcferries.com.

BC Ferries is undertaking necessary work at the Crofton Terminal July 18 through August 11, 2023.

Overview of Crofton Terminal Project:

In the summer of 2022, BC Ferries completed an engineering inspection of the infrastructure at the ferry terminal, which identified the need to replace piles and timber elements to maintain the safe operation of the timber trestle. The inspection report required repairs be completed by the summer of 2023.

Night work that is planned to take place at the Crofton Terminal between 8:00pm and 6:30am, Monday through Friday for the four week duration of the project.

Pile installation is expected to take 1 to 2 weeks between July 18 and August 1, 2023. During this time, periodic noise disturbances are expected as the piles are installed. While exact noise levels cannot be determined before work begins, BC Ferries and our contractor are committed to minimizing inconvenience to the community.

To stay up to date on the project, subscribe to project updates on the right hand side.