Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects
The terminals connecting Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) - Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) form an important link for residents and visitors alike. As projects are initiated to update the terminal over time, this page will be used to host relevant project information, engagement opportunities and updates. Sign up for proactive updates by clicking the 'Subscribe' button.
The terminals connecting Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) - Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay) form an important link for residents and visitors alike. As projects are initiated to update the terminal over time, this page will be used to host relevant project information, engagement opportunities and updates. Sign up for proactive updates by clicking the 'Subscribe' button.
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Thank you to all those that attended the community engagement event and provided your feedback. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe' on the right hand side of this page.
Join us for an information session!
We’re upgrading the berth and marine structures at Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Harbour to keep ferries running safely and efficiently. Learn about the upcoming construction work, starting in fall 2025, as part of our commitment to maintaining safe and reliable terminal facilities, at our information session.
Our teams, including project and local operations, will provide an update on timelines, alternate service, and answer questions.
Join us in person:
- Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
- Location: Gabriola Island Community Hall
- Please Complete the RSVP
Do you have any accessibility requirements we can accommodate that would help you participate fully? If so, please let us know by emailing engagement@bcferries.com.
We hope you will join us. Sign up for project page updates by visiting www.bcferriesprojects.ca/db-nh-tp and clicking “subscribe” on the page.
Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Facebook Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Twitter Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Linkedin Email RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session link -
Thank you to all those that attended the community engagement event and provided your feedback. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe' on the right hand side of this page.
We're looking for your input!
We’re upgrading the berth and marine structures at Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Harbour to keep ferries running safely and efficiently. Construction will require some sailing cancellations and we’re asking for your help in planning for these service disruptions.
Help us with:
- Understanding which sailing times will be least disruptive to the community
- Planning to mitigate the impact on your travel
- Planning for timely and effective communication before and during the disruptions
Join us in person:
- Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
- Please Complete the RSVP for full details
Do you have any accessibility requirements we can accommodate that would help you participate fully? If so, please let us know. by emailing engagement@bcferries.com.
We hope you will join us, and looking forward to our conversations. Sign up for project page updates by visiting www.bcferriesprojects.ca/db-nh-tp and clicking “subscribe” on the page.
Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Facebook Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Twitter Share RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session on Linkedin Email RSVP: Descanso Bay-Nanaimo Harbour Information Session link -
Thank you to all those that attended the community engagement event and provided your feedback. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe' on the right hand side of this page.
As neighbours, we recognize the importance of keeping you informed, and we would like to invite you to a follow-up talk with our projects team to learn more about the plans that have been worked on for Nanaimo Harbour.
Virtual Meeting
Date: Thursday October 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Please complete this RSVP form to receive a meeting link.
Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat for Follow-Up on Facebook Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat for Follow-Up on Twitter Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat for Follow-Up on Linkedin Email RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat for Follow-Up link -
Thank you to all those that attended the community engagement event and provided your feedback. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe' on the right hand side of this page.
As neighbours, we recognize the importance of keeping you informed, and we would like to invite you to a follow-up talk with our projects team to learn more about the plans that have been worked on for Nanaimo Harbour.
Virtual Meeting
Date: Thursday October 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Please complete this RSVP form to receive a meeting link.
Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat on Facebook Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat on Twitter Share RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat on Linkedin Email RSVP - Neighbourhood Chat link
Follow Project
Project Timeline
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Introduction and Planning begin
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects has finished this stage2024 - January 2025
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Community Engagement and Feedback
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects has finished this stageCommunity engagement through in person open house, workshops, and online engagement
Spring/Summer 2025
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Review and Analysis
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects has finished this stageReview feedback on draft plan and report back on what we have heard
Summer 2025
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Request for Proposal Process Reviews
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects has finished this stageRequest for proposals for project related work reviewed
June - August 2025
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Community Update
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects has finished this stageUpdates on the project plan with community feedback incorporated
Fall 2025
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Construction Begins at Nanaimo Harbour
Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal Projects is currently at this stageWork expected to begin at terminals.
Fall/Winter 2025
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Construction Begins at Descanso Bay
this is an upcoming stage for Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal ProjectsJanuary 2026 - May 2026
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Project Complete
this is an upcoming stage for Descanso Bay - Nanaimo Harbour Terminal ProjectsFirst of two new battery equipped Island Class Vessel enters service between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island
Spring 2026
Documents
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November 2025 Gabriola Island Boards (3.42 MB) (pdf)
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October 2025 Nanaimo Neighbours Virtual Presentation (Boards) (2.54 MB) (pdf)
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August 2025 Engagement Summary Report.pdf (587 KB) (pdf)
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June 2025 Engagement Summary Report (609 KB) (pdf)
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June 2025 Engagement Boards (1.54 MB) (pdf)
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BCF Meeting and Event Code of Conduct (514 KB) (pdf)
Questions? Contact us
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BC Ferries, Community Relations
Email engagement@bcferries.com