Project update: Public Information Session on Crofton Terminal Development

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.