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Thank you for your input - the intake is now finished. Stay tuned for further details.
We Need Your Input
We are committed to investing in the future of the essential service connecting Pender Island to Vancouver Island and other Southern Gulf Islands by making improvements to extend the life of the existing berth at Otter Bay Terminal. Construction will require some sailing cancellations, and berth closures, and we’re asking for your help in planning for these service disruptions.
Project Overview
Work is planned to begin in early 2026 and is expected to be complete by spring 2026, with a 5-day full berth closure and alternate services for the route planned in early-March 2026.
Work at Otter Bay will include upgrades to the vehicle ramp and various marine structures, as well as the electrical distribution system.
In order to complete the work, sailing cancellations and berth closures will be necessary. We've held early meetings with key stakeholders, including food suppliers, Island Health, and BC Hydro among others, to help us plan mitigations and lessen the impact of this work on the community. So far, this includes:
- Work planned during the off-peak travel period (January - May).
- Work stoppage over the holidays, to ensure holiday travel plans are not impacted.
- Most work will happen in-between sailings and overnight to minimize service disruptions.
- One 5-day berth closure will be required in February, with alternative foot passenger service available during this time.
We are in the early stages of planning for alternate service and want to hear from the community to help us shape our plans.
FEEDBACK: Planning Service Disruptions
Most of the work will happen overnight, but more time is needed and one full berth closure (estimated at 5 days) will be necessary. We want to know:
- During the berth closure, what day of the week is the MOST important to maintain the full schedule, with no cancellations and/or berth closures?
- Which berth closure dates in early-March would create the least impact for you?
FEEDBACK: Planning to mitigate impacts and communicate plans
We are planning for foot passenger water taxi service during cancellations and closures, with free parking at Otter Bay and Swartz Bay, and terminal assistance at the locations. We're also planning widespread communication during the project via service notices, terminal signage, social media, this page, and by working with a project feedback group made up of local voices and groups from the communities. (learn more about Project Feedback Groups here)
- What other mitigation measures would you like us to consider?
- Who do we need to make sure we reach out to in order to understand and mitigate the impact of this work on communities?
- How would you like to be informed about the project moving forward?
To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive updates via email by clicking 'Subscribe'.
Online engagement will be open until September 18th, with in-person opportunities being planned and communicated soon.
We look forward to hearing from you, and working together as we move towards exciting improvements for the route and community.
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Otter Bay terminal on Pender Island plays a vital role in connecting the Southern Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. It supports essential travel for residents, visitors, goods, and services, and is a key part of the region’s transportation network.
As part of our ongoing commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient ferry service, we are investing in necessary infrastructure upgrades at Otter Bay Terminal on Pender Island. This work will extend the life of critical components.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2026 and continue until May 2026.
Alternate service is being planned for an expected five-day full berth closure, that will be required as part of this work.
How we are planning for the project work
We understand how vital ferry service is to everyday life in the Southern Gulf Islands. Whether it’s getting to medical appointments, accessing supplies, or simply staying connected with loved ones, any change to service can be disruptive, and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to limit the impact of this necessary work through careful planning and coordination.
To reduce impacts on customers:
Where we are in the planning process
We are in the early stages of planning for alternate service and want to hear from the community to help us shape our plans.
Ways to stay informed and get involved
