Heriot Bay - Whaletown Terminal Upgrades

We are excited to be moving closer to welcoming an Island Class Vessel in 2027 and providing increased capacity for Cortes Islanders and those travelling the route. 

In preparation for introducing the larger vessel to the route and to replace aging infrastructure, berth replacements are required for Whaletown and Heriot Bay. This will mean full berth closures and alternate service for the route from January to mid-March, 2026.

Project Timeline

• Planning 2023 - March 2024: Includes assessment of the berth, required work, conditions for berth closures, and internal approvals
• Community Engagement April 2024: Community engagement through an in-person open house, stakeholder workshops, and online engagement
• Community Update August 2024: Report back to community on what we have heard, how we're responding, and next steps for project timelines
• Construction Begins September 2025: Work begins. Regular service during this time
• Initial Berth Closures Begin January - mid February 2026: Berth closures begin at Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals. Water taxi service for foot passengers only. Barge service for commercial providers
• Whaletown Re-opens February - mid March 2026: Whaletown terminal re-opens with modified services and direct sailings between Cortes Island and Campbell River. Heriot Bay berth work will continue during this phase
• Berth Work Complete Spring 2026: Regular service reinstated for Route 24 at both terminals
  
  

Help us meet your needs during berth closures! 

Work with us to shape the plans for alternate service in early 2026 by providing us with your input on our initial planning.

1. Discover: We invite you to review the forum topics and read about plans for each leg of your journey 
2. Comment: Leave your comments and feedback on each forum question to help us better understand your needs
   
   

Stay tuned to the projects page for updates and our report back to the community on what we have heard and how we’re responding.

We recognize the impact not being able to move your vehicle between Cortes and Quadra Island will have on those travelling on the route. To help mitigate the travel disruption our teams are planning for the following alternate service: 

Parking: Parking is being planned within walking distance of the water taxi location 

Designated drop-off and pick-up locations: We are planning for a designated spot to allow for the safe drop-off and pick-up of customers

Assistance moving groceries, bags or larger items: Bins and carts will be available to help transport goods from the water taxi to customer’s vehicles. BC Ferries staff will be on site during water taxi sailings to assist customers. 

Travel considerations: To better assist customers in their travel, we are exploring amenities at water taxi locations including shelter for weather, lighting and signage. We continue to look at ways to accommodate bicycles, strollers and mobility aids.

What other factors should we consider for this stage of your journey? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response)

During the berth closure water taxi service will be provided for foot passenger travel. Read below about our initial planning for this leg of your journey.

Location: Manson’s Landing Government Dock (Cortes Island) and Heriot Bay Government Dock (Quadra Island) 

These locations were chosen because of their convenient access, dock condition, and the availability of parking and other amenities. 

The water taxi will have a minimum capacity of 30 passengers and will allow for additional space to transport customers items. 

Complimentary water taxi service will be provided and will sail according to the current Route 24 schedule.

Travel considerations: 

• Totes and boxes for use transporting items/shopping 
• Carts available at water taxi locations to aid customers transporting items to/from the water taxi 
• Exploring options for local courier services to continue to support of the transportation of groceries via the barge service available for commercial goods 
• BC Ferries staff will be on site during water taxi sailings to assist customers

What other factors should we consider for this stage of your journey? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response) 

To help mitigate the travel disruption our teams are planning for the following alternate service:

Parking: 

• Parking is available within walking distance of the government dock at Heriot Bay. 

Transportation: 

• Complimentary shuttle bus service will be available between Heriot Bay Government Dock and Quathiaski Cove Terminal. 
• Space will be available on the shuttle to transport customer's goods.

Designated drop-off and pick-up location:

• We are planning for a designated spot to allow for the safe drop-off and pick-up of customers.

Assistance moving groceries, bags or larger items

• Bins and carts will be available for help to transport goods between the water taxi and customer’s vehicles. 
• BC Ferries staff will be on site during water taxi sailings to assist customers.

What other factors should we consider for this stage of your journey? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response)  

Transporting vital goods and services is an essential part of the service we provide. We understand the impacts the berth closures can have to the community and we are committed to working with our commercial customers to ensure the flow of goods and services is maintained throughout the project work. 

Initial plans are outlined below. We continue to work with commercial and dangerous goods providers to refine these plans.

Who will use barge services?

• Fuel deliveries (diesel fuel, heating oil, propane) 
• Dangerous goods 
• Food deliveries – fresh and frozen foods 
• Livestock (including mussels)
• Courier / delivery trucks 
• Waste management vehicles 
• Critical repair services

*Commercial vehicle types are all those that are registered 5,500 kg/GVW or greater  

Locations: 

Our teams are working on sourcing locations on both Cortes Island and at Heriot Bay for barge services.

Schedule: 

Monday through Friday service; Dangerous Goods sailings on Tuesdays 

Due to tidal restrictions, loading time and vessel speed, preliminary planning includes one round-trip per day with possible changing schedule.

Barge capacity:  

The barge is expected to accommodate 12-14 commercial vehicles. Drivers will be required to travel by water taxi.

Movement of vehicles

We recognize customers travelling on the route may need to move their car unexpectedly. We are developing a procedure to help identify and accommodate these needs.

Are there other factors you would like us to consider? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response)  

Understanding the needs of our customers who provide vital resources and services to the Island is key to our planning and success. To ensure we stay connected and understand the unique requirements we are taking the following steps:

Commercial drivers and providers

We will be consulting with commercial drivers and local Cortes businesses to better understand their specific needs, and how we can support them throughout the alternate service.

Utilities

From Hydro to internet and phone lines, we have connected with utility providers to ensure they can continue to provide services to Cortes Island when needed.

Emergency Services

We have been working with emergency services to ensure they have the information they need to plan for service during the project work.

What other factors should we consider for the movement of vital goods and services, and are there other groups we should reach out to? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response)  

To ensure those travelling on the route are prepared, we plan to communicate information on the project in the following areas:

• Service Notices
• Signage at Terminals and information at ticket booths
• Social media advertisements
• Project webpage bcferriesprojects.ca/heriot-bay-whaletown-tp 
• Community webpages bcferriesprojects.ca/cortes-island or bcferriesprojects.ca/quadra-island 
  
  

Stay informed: Subscribe for project updates on the project page at https://www.bcferriesprojects.ca/heriot-bay-whaletown-tp.

Are there other places we should communicate through or others we should inform of the project? (Please click "quick reply" or "go to discussion" to leave your response)