We’re looking for your input: online engagement extended!
When we visited the community on June 22, we heard the importance of clarity in a few key areas to allow more meaningful input, including sailing cancellations, alternate service arrangements and project scope. To encourage active participation, we are sharing additional information on these key areas below and have extended the opportunity for online feedback until July 9, understanding that you may need more time to reflect upon the information before participating.
In addition to our in-person session, our teams have met with local government and interest holders, and will continue to reach out and meet with impacted groups.
Sailing Cancelations
Since our project team is in the planning stages for the project, the specific number of sailing cancellations is not confirmed. Sailing cancellations will not be in place for the full duration of the project but will be required to provide a longer consecutive work window for specific complex construction tasks. Major components will be prefabricated ahead of construction to reduce installation times as much as possible.
Recognizing the importance of our sailings as an essential service provider, we are engaging early to better understand the dates and times most important to your community. We will consider community feedback alongside operational needs and traffic budget considerations to limit the impact on the wider community.
Alternate Service During Cancellations: water taxi, parking or shuttle service
Our teams are currently exploring options for alternate service provisions for these cancellations, including a water taxi, additional parking or shuttle service.
A water taxi is planned for the sailing cancellations, with the project team anticipating the service will operate between the Nanaimo Port Authority’s Vessel Visiting Pier and the Regional District of Nanaimo’s emergency wharf directly adjacent to the Descanso Bay terminal.
Provisions for additional parking or a shuttle service are still being considered, alongside traffic data and budget considerations.
Project Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall/winter of 2025 to avoid the busy summer season. Work at each terminal is planned to be completed consecutively, beginning at Nanaimo Harbour, to minimize congestion on the route and to reduce the risk of coordinating with numerous contractors on the same route.
Project Scope
This project will life-extend the berths at Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Harbour and will include improvements for vehicle loading. The new apron at Gabriola Harbour will be wider on the vessel end and include a relocated hinge point, which will improve the loading and unloading of the upper galley deck and commercial vehicles during low tides.
